The Rise of AI-Generated Action Figures: Fun or Privacy Risk?
Houston residents are joining a viral trend where AI transforms selfies into action figures, but experts warn of potential privacy implications. The process seems harmless – a friend tags you in a story, you click the link, and within minutes, you’re uploading your selfie to see yourself as a superhero or cartoon character.
“It basically seems like good, clean fun,” says Peter Salib, AI expert and University of Houston professor. “People are making silly cartoon images of themselves.” However, Salib cautions that users should be aware of the potential risks before uploading their images.
Privacy Concerns with AI Image Generators
The real concern lies in what happens to your image after you upload it. According to Salib, “If you put something on the internet, it can be used in various ways.” This includes the possibility of AI companies using your image to train their models, potentially leading to unintended uses in the future.
“You can imagine that someone who doesn’t like you takes your image and uploads it… to make a picture of this person committing a crime.”
These concerns are particularly relevant for parents who are cautious about sharing their children’s images online. Salib notes that under many terms of service, companies like OpenAI can use uploaded images to train their AI models, potentially creating images that resemble your child.
Mitigating Risks When Using AI Image Generators
While major AI companies are working to prevent misuse, such as creating deepfakes, the risk still exists. However, there are legal tools available to address defamatory content.
To protect yourself when using AI image generators, consider the following tips:
- Read the terms of service carefully
- Think before uploading your images
- Avoid using others’ photos without permission
- Don’t upload sensitive or private images
- Remember that online content can persist indefinitely
While the trend may seem fun, privacy-conscious individuals may want to exercise caution. As Salib puts it, “Most people don’t care, but if you’re cautious about privacy, this is one trend you might want to watch from the sidelines.”
