Maharashtra Cyber Issues Advisory on Ghibli-Style AI Art amidst Privacy and Data Security Concerns

The Maharashtra Cyber Cell has issued an advisory cautioning citizens about the growing use of AI-generated Ghibli-style art applications, warning that such platforms may pose serious threats to data privacy and security. The advisory comes amid a surge in popularity of these stylised art tools all across the country.

According to the Cyber Cell, several AI applications that transform real photographs into Ghibli-inspired illustrations—especially those offering so-called “reverse Ghibli-style” features—could potentially allow foreign entities to misuse sensitive visual data. These platforms, often operated by unverified or foreign companies, have raised red flags over their access to personal files and device permissions.

“There is a real risk that these platforms are building large-scale databases of user-submitted content,” the advisory states. “This data could be used for training AI models or for purposes far beyond the original intent of the user.”

A major concern outlined by the Cyber Cell is the ability of some platforms to recreate realistic images from stylised illustrations. Such “reverse” features could potentially allow malicious actors to harvest and repurpose user images without their consent, posing a serious threat to privacy.

The advisory warns that many of these AI art generators prompt users to grant access to device files when uploading reference images. Granting such permissions may lead to unintentional data leaks or breaches, particularly when used on unofficial or unverified applications.

DIG Yashasvi Yadav of Maharashtra Cyber underscored the gravity of these concerns and said, “In today’s digital age, a face is no longer just a face — it is biometric information. Once captured, it can be stored, processed, and shared, and potentially misused in ways that compromise privacy, identity, and security.” He further noted that past incidents have demonstrated how leaked facial data from AI platforms can lead to identity theft, unauthorised surveillance, and other cybercrimes.

Citizens have been strongly urged to avoid uploading personal images, especially those containing sensitive or identifiable details, to such platforms. The Cyber Cell has also advised users to carefully review all app permission requests, avoid downloading unofficial applications, and remain wary of trending digital tools that may harbour hidden risks.

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