Open house: should users trust AI trends like Ghibli art with their personal images and data?

Need Awareness Workshops

Cybercrime has reached alarming levels, tricking even tech-savvy individuals. A retired Army officer in CDH recently lost Rs 3.5 crore to a scam. Fraudsters stay ahead using new applications. People must avoid suspicious links, unknown calls and oversharing on social media. Calls from unfamiliar numbers should be ignored. Educational institutions must conduct workshops to educate the public about digital risks and safe online behaviour. Awareness is the first step to prevention and timely education can shield citizens from falling into the trap of cybercriminals.

S S Arora, Mohali

Children’s Privacy

at Risk

The Ghibli art trend, driven by AI, compromises children’s privacy and creativity. Many users share their photos for quick attention, not realising how their data might be stored or reused. This threatens not just privacy but also the dignity of real artists. Children, in particular, may fall for trends without understanding digital consequences. The government should consider regulating such tools or banning them altogether to safeguard young minds. Encouraging responsible digital behaviour and fostering awareness among youth is essential in an age where creativity is becoming algorithm-driven.

Charu Malhotra, Mohali

Ensure Platform Legitimacy

Trendy apps may look fun but can be deceptive. The Ghibli-style art trend is being used by fraudsters for identity theft. Before uploading images, users must check the platform’s authenticity-look for privacy policies, security features and user reviews. Avoid apps that demand unnecessary permissions or financial details. Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. Cybercrime thrives on ignorance; hence, spreading awareness is vital. Trends should inspire creativity, not compromise security. Caution and digital hygiene can make the difference between safe fun and serious risk.

Amanjot Kaur, mohali

Exercise Caution with AI Trends

Ghibli-style art has taken over social media, but it’s becoming a tool for scams. People upload photos on unverified platforms, risking identity theft and privacy invasion. It’s crucial to avoid such websites if they lack clear data policies. Clicking on viral links may invite malware or phishing attacks. Digital awareness should be treated as seriously as physical safety. Ignorance gives scammers an upper hand. Always verify, stay informed and educate others. Artistic trends are enjoyable, but not at the cost of your own personal security.

Gaganpreet Singh, Mohali

Students at Risk Too

Uploading photos to Ghibli art generators is unsafe. Once photos are shared, they can be manipulated, misused or lead to identity theft and even financial fraud. Young students, driven by peer pressure and competition, may use such tools recklessly. This exposes them to exploitation far beyond imagination. The government must act swiftly-just like it did with PUBG-to curb such apps. Stricter regulation, public education and digital discipline are necessary to protect citizens, especially the youth. Privacy cannot be sacrificed for temporary social media trends.

Savita Kuthiala

Need Stronger

Cyber Policing

Cybercrimes like fraud, loot and identity theft are rapidly increasing, especially in tricity. The administration must adopt new strategies and stricter law enforcement to combat these crimes. Skilled cyber engineers should be appointed and cooperation among cyber police stations must be ensured. Delay in action only worsens the situation. Establishing cyber hubs in key areas and using modern tools can improve surveillance. Only through determination, coordination, and strong laws can the growing cyber menace be controlled.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Trends Should Not Override Safety

The Ghibli art trend has become a playground for scamsters. Fake websites offering Ghibli filters may install malware or steal data. Citizens must verify platforms before using them. Blindly following viral apps without knowing their origin is risky. Police must amplify their advisory efforts through social media and community programs. Trend or not, safety of personal data should be the top priority. Awareness is key to stopping such scams before they spread further.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Digital Creativity Needs Responsibility

Ghibli art filters may seem harmless, but uploading photos to unknown apps can lead to identity theft and fraud. Users rarely read terms or verify app authenticity. In this digital age, recklessly sharing personal data is a major risk. Authorities must boost awareness campaigns, and platforms should enforce stricter safety protocols. People need to enjoy trends responsibly and think before uploading any content online.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Beware of Data Exploitation

The Ghibli trend is fun, but not risk free. Many apps request access to contacts or microphones, harvesting data silently. Uploaded images can be misused for deepfakes or scams. Hidden metadata in photos, such as location or device details, adds to the risk. Sharing such data, even unknowingly, opens doors to fraud. Users must think twice before sharing anything online and avoid apps with excessive permission requests. Trends come and go-privacy loss can be permanent.

Anita K Tandon, Mundi Kharar

Verify Before You Trust

Ghibli-style art apps are the latest trend, but they come with hidden risks. Cybercrime is rising through social media scams, fraudulent calls, and AI art platforms. The root cause is the growing number of unregulated apps, professional scammers, and attractive offers that lure users in. People must avoid blindly trusting these apps unless verified by a reliable source. The government must enforce strict laws preventing data sharing without user consent and eliminate unnecessary permission requests. Additionally, a regulatory tier is needed to monitor high-value transactions, especially in new accounts. In today’s cybercrime era, checks and balances are more critical than ever before.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Protect Privacy

of Children

The Studio Ghibli trend has gone viral, but users must be cautious. Uploading personal photos to AI tools can expose metadata, facial recognition patterns, and even geolocation data. This is particularly risky when it involves children, who are more vulnerable to online exploitation. Such platforms may also reuse content without consent, raising concerns about privacy and misuse. To minimise these risks, limit screen time, educate children on online safety and encourage creativity through traditional means. AI can be a powerful tool, but only when used responsibly. Staying informed helps users enjoy innovation without compromising personal data or ethical standards.

Dr Shruti K Chawla, Chandigarh

Follow Trends

with Awareness

The Ghibli art trend may look fun, but it hides serious risks. Many vulnerable users are unknowingly sharing personal data with cybercriminals. In today’s digital age, blindly following viral trends is dangerous. With art becoming commercialised and peer pressure growing, people tend to overshare online. Authorities must collaborate with telecom providers and media outlets to launch awareness campaigns. Digital literacy should be taught in schools, workplaces and communities. Ultimately, safety begins with the individual-by staying informed, thinking critically and being cautious about where and how personal content is shared. Awareness is key to thriving safely in the digital world.

Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula

Senior Citizens Need Digital Training

Cybercrime in the tricity region is rising fast, and it’s not just the youth who are affected. Senior citizens are increasingly falling prey to online scams, including Ghibli art-related frauds. Many lack the digital literacy needed to identify suspicious platforms or phishing attempts. Social organisations and resident groups should incorporate digital safety into everyday activities like yoga classes, book clubs, or community meets. Learning must be lifelong, and helping seniors become aware of online threats can protect their finances, identity and privacy. Empowering the elderly through education ensures they stay connected without becoming easy targets for online fraud.

Col TBS Bedi (Retd), Mohali

AI Trends Can Be Risky

AI tools used to generate Ghibli-style art often request personal photos, putting users at risk of identity theft, data breaches and online scams. Some apps even install hidden malware during uploads, silently collecting information. Worse, people often upload others’ images without permission, raising serious ethical concerns. Schools and colleges must teach digital responsibility and cyber safety. Youngsters, who are quick to adopt trends, need guidance on how to use technology mindfully. Cybercrime cells should also act swiftly against such misuse. Fun trends should never compromise personal safety-digital awareness is essential in navigating today’s ever-evolving tech landscape.

Sunny Dhaliwal, Chandigarh

Don’t Let AI Art Become a Threat

What seems like harmless fun-uploading selfies to create Ghibli-style art-can turn into a digital threat. These platforms often lack security, giving them unchecked access to facial data that can be misused for phishing, deepfakes, or identity theft. Users unknowingly grant apps excessive permissions while chasing viral trends. Before uploading any photo, one should verify the app’s credibility and data policies. Fun filters aren’t worth the risk of losing privacy. With the growing reach of AI, awareness, caution, and informed choices are essential. It’s time people prioritise digital safety over fleeting internet trends.

Harinder Singh Bhalla, chandigarh

Respect Artists, Protect Privacy

The Ghibli-style AI trend not only poses cybersecurity risks but also threatens artistic integrity. These tools often mimic Studio Ghibli’s signature style using datasets that may include copyrighted work without permission. This undermines genuine creativity and invites legal and ethical issues. Additionally, users’ personal data is harvested, potentially fueling deepfake technology and scams. Art should celebrate originality, not exploit it for clicks. Users must be more discerning and platforms must ensure ethical use of AI. Following trends without questioning the cost-both to privacy and to artists-can lead to unintended harm.

Sheena, Kharar

Think Before You Click

Following online trends without understanding the consequences is a risky habit. Many users engage with viral tools like Ghibli art apps just to appear trendy, often ignoring red flags. These apps may be unverified, insecure, or even malicious. It’s crucial for internet users to take responsibility-do research, check for credibility and avoid giving unnecessary permissions. Cyber threats are real, and safety should always come first. While governments and platforms have roles to play, individual awareness is equally important. A moment of caution can prevent long-term damage. Think critically, verify, and act wisely before clicking.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Create Awareness Before It’s Too Late

The rise of Ghibli-style art apps has coincided with increased data thefts and cyber scams. Cybercriminals use these platforms to collect personal data, often without user consent. Authorities should launch urgent awareness drives-through webinars, posters, and online campaigns-to educate users about the dangers of uploading personal images. These efforts must reach schools, housing societies and digital platforms alike. Prevention is better than cure, and early education can protect thousands from financial loss and emotional distress. A little awareness now can stop large-scale frauds in the future.

Adish Sood, Amloh

Don’t Fall for the Trend Trap

Ghibli art apps are being used by scamsters to steal personal data. These seemingly harmless tools demand access to photos, contacts and other private information. People download them without checking their legitimacy, unknowingly putting their identities at risk. Images can be morphed, used for fake profiles, or misused in malicious content. This also disrespects both privacy and genuine artistry. Watermarking AI content and stricter app regulations can help reduce misuse. But users must first understand that not every trend is safe to follow. Vigilance is the only defense against such digital traps.

Brig. Advitya Madan (Retd), Chandigarh

Cybercrime Needs Modern Solutions

AI-based frauds, such as those linked to Ghibli-style art tools, are exposing gaps in our current cybersecurity framework. Cybercriminals exploit advanced technologies to extract identity data, making traditional law enforcement methods insufficient. It’s time for government agencies to adopt modern solutions-like data analytics, predictive risk models, and cross-agency collaborations. We need skilled professionals, better infrastructure and proactive cyber planning. Tackling new-age scams requires a new-age approach. A reactive system won’t keep up-only a forward-looking, tech-enabled response can effectively address such complex digital threats.

Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh

Ethical Innovation Is the Way Forward

AI trends like Ghibli art must be guided by ethical practices. Without accountability, these innovations can turn harmful. Governments, NGOs and platforms must organise workshops to spread awareness about digital ethics and privacy. Every AI-generated image should include traceable metadata to prevent misuse and ensure transparency. Innovation should empower-not exploit-users. Privacy, accountability and responsible usage must go hand-in-hand with tech adoption. Ethical innovation ensures that creativity thrives while users stay protected. It’s time we build a digital future that values both progress and principles.

B.S. Dhillon, Mohali

Protect the Integrity of Ghibli Art

Studio Ghibli’s artistic legacy was built on storytelling, not data theft. Using its style for AI-generated scams disrespects that heritage. People must understand that turning this art into a tool for cybercrime damages both creativity and user trust. Legal systems must act fast-punishing wrongdoers and rewarding whistleblowers.

Vijay Katyal, Panchkula

Issue At Hand

The rising trend of uploading selfies to Ghibli AI art generators has triggered warnings from the Cyber Crime Wing of Chandigarh Police. Authorities caution that these platforms may store and misuse facial data without consent, leading to identity theft, data breaches, or device infections through malware. As users unknowingly feed sensitive information into unverified systems, the lack of data deletion protocols and privacy safeguards poses a growing risk of cybercrime and online exploitation.

Question for next week

With temperatures soaring across Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula, residents have begun experiencing frequent power cuts and water shortages. The rising demand and uneven distribution are compounding the crisis, raising concerns about the region’s preparedness. As the peak of summer approaches, the strain on essential utilities will likely increase further. What needs to be done to ensure proper supply of power and water to the residents, especially in the summer season?

Suggestions in not more than 150 words with passport size photograph can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com by Thursday (April 17)

Chandigarh