Viral Ghibli trend: UAE experts warn of data leak risk, privacy concerns
This AI-driven trend of converting images into Studio Ghibli-style avatars has splashed across the web.
People are turning photos of themselves into ethereal Studio Ghibli-inspired artworks. Yet as it expands, cyber security professionals are warning it may expose user data, exposing some risks. Facial characteristics are particularly sensitive data since, in the event of a breach, these cannot be changed like passwords.
As Nicolai Solling, Chief Technology Officer at Help AG explained: "The introduction of these avatars carries a serious risk, most notably to personal data — the first thing businesses need to understand is, one must be as careful with using these avatars as they are with the introduction of personal data." Amabile highlighted a number of cybersecurity threats posed by Ghibli avatars. Users typically upload photos depicting face attributes when creating avatars, and these can contain biometric data that is difficult to replace if breached.
A Ghibli avatar is an avatar of you or a character drawn in the signature art style of the Japanese animation studio Studio Ghibli, known for its hand-drawn animation films.
In addition to facial features, images you upload could also potentially reveal hidden metadata — like the device used to take the picture, and where it was taken — which will almost certainly expose personal information about you, Solling also pointed out. When these images are posted to avatar platforms, the risk of leaking personal details rises," he said.
In addition, Most AI-based platforms use data uploaded by user-models for improving algorithms. Solling warned, "Unless users are paying for the service, which most are not, their images, including that of their face, will be included in the field of data to train the AI causing major issues with data ownership and privacy." To add fuel to the fire, the opacity on these platforms also adds confusion, as users never know what will happen to their data which could come back to these users in the long run.
Privacy issues also arise with digital human beings, especially when it comes to impersonation and an apparent lack of personal identity. According to Solling, "The increasing dependence on avatars for online interactions can reduce our capacity to identify a person in the conventional sense, which is an important aspect of human authentication." If ignored, this might decrease trust in the digital space and identity in the digital space.
There are also risks that apply to platform security and facial recognition technology. The platforms that create your avatars may save high-res images that could be stolen in a data breach, "Solling said. With access to high-quality avatars, it could be possible for someone to subvert facial recognition systems (even if that tech isn’t available at the moment)."
The interest around Ghibli avatars could contribute to users foregoing necessary safety practices," she said. When it comes to trust, brands and platforms have to be open with data usage. As this trend evolves it is taking the time to educate users to overcome the risks with it.
While this trend is certainly appealing to many people, there are a few who refused to join in, a decision spurred by the legacy of Studio Ghibli itself.
Eiman Idris, e-commerce expert and websites manager, described it like such: "I'll say I'm not a Studio Ghibli fan but I watched some of their awesome shows because I grew up with them. Not too far from my place and that universe of creativity is inspiring. We nicknamed our family car after one of the characters, and it kept 30 years worth of memories alive."
Part of me is a creative person," she said, elaborating on why she did not have AI-based photos for Studio Ghibli-style creations. I respect all kinds of art. It felt like a personal affront to anyone interested in respecting artists when I read Mr. Miyazaki's opinion on the matter. Drawing influence from other artists is not the same as copying and pasting AI generated results. I don't see this trend as authentic self-expression.
Comments