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We all know that for the past few days, the internet has been buzzing and the buzz is all about Ghibli-style AI art. Ever since OpenAI launched its image generator on ChatGPT, everyone who is on the internet from celebrities to politicians and the common folk, has been a part of this buzz by sharing these AI-generated images in the iconic style of Ghibli legend Hayao Miyazaki. The newest version allows users to transform their photos—or even viral internet memes—into stunning Ghibli-style artwork.
But is it safe to share your personal images with the AI? Digital privacy activists on social media platform X (Twitter) have raised a similar concern. They have claimed that OpenAI may be using this trend as a means to collect personal images for AI training. While it's all fun and games for the common user, critics are of the opinion that they could just be handing over sensitive information unknowingly to OpenAI, which raises a serious question of privacy.
The rise of this trend has sparked debates over the ethics of AI tools that learn from copyrighted artwork, raising questions about their impact on human artists’ careers. At 84, Miyazaki—famed for his whimsical storytelling and dedication to hand-drawn animation—has voiced his scepticism about AI’s place in the world of animation.
The activists however have pressed that this issue goes beyond AI copyright, in fact, they claim that it has allowed the company to gather images that are voluntarily submitted, Circumventing legal limitations imposed on web-scraped data.
Under GDPR, OpenAI must justify scraping images from the internet under “legitimate interest,” meaning they need extra safeguards to ensure compliance and protect user privacy. This requires proving that data collection is necessary, does not infringe on individual rights, and adheres to strict transparency and accountability rules.
Luiza Jarovsky, co-founder of the AI, Tech & Privacy Academy, weighed in on the issue in a detailed X post. She explained that when users voluntarily upload images, they are essentially giving OpenAI permission to process them under GDPR’s Article 6.1.a. “This is a different legal ground that gives more freedom to OpenAI, and the legitimate interest balancing test no longer applies,” she wrote.
“Moreover, OpenAI's privacy policy explicitly states that the company collects personal data input by users to train its AI models when users haven't opted out,” she wrote.
Luiza Jarovsky also noted that OpenAI is obtaining free and unrestricted access to personal or private images, with only OpenAI retaining the original files. Meanwhile, social media platforms and other AI companies will only have access to the "Ghiblified" versions.
Himachal Cyber Warriors, a group that identified itself as a team of cybersecurity experts, stated: “Moreover, the trend is ongoing, and people are learning that when they want a fun avatar of themselves, they can simply upload their pictures to ChatGPT. They no longer need third-party providers for that,” she said.
What Has OpenAI Said?
There is no official statement from the company as of now, and is yet to issue a statement, and has yet to release a statement regarding the security of personal data for users engaging with the Ghibli-style AI image art feature. We entered a prompt asking if it's safe to upload personal pictures in the Ghibli art generator and we got this reply: "The safety of uploading personal photos to the Ghibli-style AI image generator depends on the platform's data policies and security measures. If the tool is operated by OpenAI or another AI company, it's essential to check their privacy policies regarding data storage, sharing, and deletion.
Potential risks include:
Data Retention: The platform may store uploaded images for future training or analysis.
Privacy Concerns: AI-generated versions of your image might be publicly accessible or used beyond your control.
Security Risks: If the tool lacks proper safeguards, there could be a risk of data leaks or unauthorized access.
To stay safe, avoid uploading sensitive or private images and review the platform’s terms of service to understand how your data will be handled."
AI image trends can be fun, but they come with hidden risks. Before you dive in, here’s how to stay safe:
Be mindful of what you upload. AI tools can store and use your images in ways you may not anticipate.
Skip high-quality photo uploads. The clearer the image, the easier it is for AI to exploit it.
Stick to traditional security methods. Instead of facial recognition, opt for a strong PIN or password.
Manage your camera access. Regularly check and restrict app permissions to prevent unnecessary data collection.
Taking a few precautions now can help you stay in control of your digital identity.
