Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing has released a public advisory alerting residents about the increasing exploitation of AI-generated Ghibli-style art, which has recently been adopted by cybercriminals.
Officials have observed a rise in incidents where individuals inadvertently expose their personal information by submitting selfies or personal images to services that convert them into animations resembling the beloved Ghibli style.
Although these AI applications may seem like harmless entertainment, authorities warn that they can significantly endanger user privacy and data security. Cybersecurity specialists have indicated that many of these platforms gather and retain users’ biometric data, including facial characteristics, without obtaining clear or informed consent.
Once images are uploaded, users generally forfeit control over how their photos are stored, shared, or potentially exploited.
“People often fail to realise the magnitude of the risk involved,” said an official from the Cyber Crime Wing.
“These images can be manipulated for deepfakes or other forms of synthetic media, leading to serious misuse.”
The department has raised concerns about the increasing number of unofficial websites and digital platforms that distribute AI-generated images in the style of Ghibli. Many of these sites, which often provide free artwork or custom animations, are suspected to be fronts for cybercriminal activities. Users who access or download content from these sources may expose their devices to malware, ransomware, or viruses, leading to potential identity theft or significant data breaches.
A particularly concerning trend is the use of Ghibli imagery by scammers to conduct phishing attacks. These criminals frequently create fake contests, giveaways, or download links to deceive users into sharing sensitive personal or financial information.
Authorities have already received reports of financial fraud and unauthorized access to online accounts associated with these scams. In response to these issues, the Tamil Nadu Cyber Crime Wing is urging the public to stay alert.
Citizens are encouraged not to upload personal photos to unverified sites and to steer clear of suspicious links. Furthermore, users should ensure their devices are equipped with updated security software. The department is closely monitoring the situation and intends to initiate awareness campaigns to educate the public about the changing tactics used by cybercriminals in today’s digital landscape.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter |The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Whatsapp Channel | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Instagram
About us:
The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News is a premier platform dedicated to delivering latest news, updates, and insights from the tech industry. With its strong foundation of intellectual property and thought leadership, the platform is well-positioned to stay ahead of the curve and lead conversations about how technology shapes our world. From its early days as CIO News to its rebranding as The Mainstream on November 28, 2024, it has been expanding its global reach, targeting key markets in the Middle East & Africa, ASEAN, the USA, and the UK. The Mainstream is a vision to put technology at the center of every conversation, inspiring professionals and organizations to embrace the future of tech.
