Recently, many of us have been posting our images as retro-style portraits known as ‘AI saree’ or ‘Nano Banana’ edits. These pictures, made using Google’s Gemini or similar AI tools, are all over platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp. But while they may look stylish and fun, experts are warning that they could come with hidden risks.
To create these AI images, people upload their personal photos. Many don’t realise that these images include sensitive facial data. Experts say this data can be stored, misused, or even sold without the user’s knowledge or permission.
“Facial data is biometric data. Once it’s online, you can’t take it back,” says a digital privacy expert. Some of the major risks include identity theft, deepfakes, and your image being used to train AI systems without your knowledge.
Some users have noticed that the AI changes their features, which raises questions about how these tools “reimagine” real faces. At the same time, fake apps and websites are appearing, pretending to offer AI edits but instead stealing data or spreading viruses.
Google says it uses a tool called SynthID to add invisible watermarks to AI-generated images. But experts say these marks can often be removed or may not be detected on all platforms.
Since India currently lacks strong laws to protect personal data in AI tools, experts advise people to be careful. Don’t upload photos to unknown apps, always read the privacy policy, and think before sharing personal images online.
