Viral Ghibli trend: UAE experts warn of data leak risk, privacy concerns

Khaleej Times

03-04-2025

A new trend of transforming images into Studio Ghibli-inspired avatars, facilitated by AI technology, has splashed all over the internet.
Individuals are transforming their personal photos into dreamy art styles made famous by Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio. However, as it grows, cybersecurity experts are sounding the alarm about the potential risks they pose to users' sensitive data. Unlike passwords, facial features can't be changed if compromised, making this data especially vulnerable.
"The use of these avatars introduces significant risks, primarily related to personal data," said Nicolai Solling, Chief Technology Officer at Help AG. He stressed several cybersecurity risks associated with the use of Ghibli avatars. "When creating avatars, users often upload photos that capture detailed facial features, which can include biometric data that is irreplaceable if compromised."
A Ghibli avatar is a digital representation of an individual or character created in the distinctive art style made famous by Studio Ghibli, a Japanese animation studio known for its hand-drawn animation techniques.
Solling pointed out that, in addition to facial features, uploaded images may contain hidden metadata, such as device details and location, which could inadvertently expose sensitive information about the user's whereabouts. "The risk of leaking personal details increases when these images are uploaded to avatar platforms," he added.
Moreover, many AI-driven platforms utilise user-uploaded data to enhance their algorithms. "Unless users are paying for the service, their images, including facial data, may be used to train AI models, raising serious concerns about data ownership and privacy," Solling warned. The lack of transparency on these platforms compounds the issue, as users may not fully understand how their data is being used or stored, potentially leading to long-term consequences.
Privacy concerns also manifest in the context of digital personas, particularly regarding impersonation and the loss of personal recognition. "The growing reliance on avatars for digital interactions could diminish our ability to recognise individuals in the way we traditionally do, which is crucial for authentication," Solling noted. If not managed properly, this trend could erode trust and personal identity in digital spaces.
Additionally, there are vulnerabilities related to platform security and facial recognition technology. Solling mentioned, "The platforms used to create avatars may store high-resolution images that could be exposed in a data breach. As facial recognition technology becomes more prevalent, there's a risk that high-quality avatars could be misused to bypass security systems, even if such technology doesn't currently exist."
On Monday, signups for ChatGPT hit 1 million in an hour, following the launch of the image-generation feature that simulates the artwork of Hayao Miyazaki.
Social media experts have also voiced their concerns, highlighting the surge in user engagement driven by Ghibli avatars. "While these avatars allow for creativity and self-expression, users must remain vigilant about the potential privacy implications," said Sarah Johnson, a social media strategist. "It's essential to educate users on how their data is utilised and to encourage them to review privacy settings on these platforms."
She added, "The excitement around Ghibli avatars can lead to a lack of caution among users. Brands and platforms need to provide transparency about data handling practices to build trust. It's crucial that as this trend grows, we prioritise user education to mitigate risks."
Despite the allure of this trend, some individuals have chosen not to participate out of respect for Studio Ghibli and its legacy.
Eiman Idris, an e-commerce specialist and websites manager, shared her perspective: "I won't consider myself a fan of Studio Ghibli, but I grew up watching some of their amazing shows. That studio is filled with creativity that inspires me. I even gave our family car a nickname based on one of the characters, keeping 30 years of memories fresh."
She explained her choice not to use AI for creating Studio Ghibli-styled photos: "Part of me is a creative person. I appreciate all forms of art. When I came across Mr. Miyazaki's opinion on the subject, it felt like an attack on anyone who respects artists. Getting inspired by other artists doesn't mean merely copying and pasting results generated by AI. I don't see this trend as true self-expression."