AI privacy concerns rise over 1980s-style photo trends

A growing social media trend involves users utilizing artificial intelligence tools, such as ChatGPT, to transform current photographs into stylized versions of themselves from the 1980s. While popular on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, experts are raising concerns regarding personal data privacy.

AI ethics expert Katarina Doria describes the phenomenon as a ‘data party,’ noting that users frequently upload large amounts of personal information for entertainment. A significant risk involves facial photographs, which contain sensitive biometric data. Carissa Véliz, a philosophy lecturer at the University of Oxford’s Institute for Ethics in AI, warns that unlike a password, a person's face cannot be changed if the data is compromised.

Beyond biometrics, these tools can help build detailed profiles of individuals by analyzing information related to their jobs, relationships, and habits. Experts warn of potential future abuses, including targeted advertising and the development of sophisticated deepfake content. To mitigate risks, specialists recommend exercising caution, avoiding the use of children's photos, and checking privacy settings to prevent data from being used to train future AI models.