The use of Artificial Intelligence applications to create cartoons from personal photographs has skyrocketed in recent days on social networks such as Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. The trend, which has also reached users in Barcelona, Girona, and Tarragona, has set off alarms among cybersecurity experts due to the risks associated with handing over personal information.
Experts' warning amid the rise of the trend in Catalonia
Kaspersky specialists have pointed out that many users, when looking for more precise results in these tools, enter additional data in the prompt or allow access to information linked to their profiles. Among the data that are usually shared are the company name, job title, city, daily routines, hobbies, and family details.
This practice, according to experts, contributes to the creation of a detailed digital profile that can be exploited by cybercriminals to carry out identity theft or social engineering attacks. A fraudulent message that includes information about the company or the victim's job position is much more credible and effective.
Personal data and risks of impersonation
The Kaspersky Digital Language study reveals that almost one in four users in Latin America admits to not knowing how to identify a fake message. This vulnerability is aggravated when part of the information provided to AI applications can be retained to operate the service or improve the models, which implies that the content does not necessarily disappear after generating the cartoon.
"The biggest risk is not in the illustration that is created, but in everything that people reveal to obtain it" - Leandro Cuozzo, Security Analyst at the Global Research and Analysis Team for Latin America at Kaspersky
Leandro Cuozzo adds that sharing details about work, family, or routines can facilitate information that ends up being used for targeted fraud or identity theft.
Recommendations for local users
Faced with this scenario, specialists recommend adopting more prudent habits when interacting with these tools and reinforcing digital protection to mitigate the risks associated with malicious links and phishing techniques. The popularity of this type of application in neighborhoods and municipalities in Catalonia increases exposure to possible attacks if precautions are not taken to the extreme.
- Avoid sharing sensitive information in AI prompts
- Review the permissions granted to applications
- Use active digital protection tools
The trend of AI cartoons continues to grow, but the risks associated with the delivery of personal data also increase. Experts insist on the importance of prudence and protection to avoid becoming victims of fraud or impersonation in the digital environment.