We are currently living in an era of immense scientific possibilities where today’s digital technologies have made our lives easier and more diverse than ever before. As we step into the digital age, new horizons have opened up in our lives, but at the same time, this technology has become an invisible threat to our security, privacy, and identity. Once a mere tool to make life easier, faster, and more efficient, technology has now become a source of unfamiliar danger. Recently, Ghibli-style images created by Artificial Intelligence (AI) on social media have brought about a new dimension of crisis in the cyber world. Behind these seemingly innocent and dreamy images lies a terrifying digital threat that can steal personal information and even replicate someone’s identity. What was once seen as a form of artistic creativity has now turned into a serious challenge to individual safety.

The "Ghibli style" refers to a visual aesthetic inspired by the works of Japanese animation master Hayao Miyazaki , marked by soft lighting, vibrant nature, and deep human emotions. Using AI tools like ChatGPT (GPT-4), Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion, users can now generate Ghibli-style images within seconds. A simple prompt from a user is enough for these tools to generate highly realistic and artistic visuals. But herein lies a grave danger. These tools can collect data from phones or computers and transfer private information even personal photos to AI company servers without any explicit permission from the user. When someone uploads a photo to these AI tools, not only the photo but also metadata from the device (such as location, device info, and even stored passwords) can be extracted. These uploaded photos can also be sold on the dark web. A 2023 study found that AI-generated images of women and children were being used on dark web pornography sites. Moreover, deepfake technology can distort a user's photos or videos, leading to defamation or blackmail incidents that are becoming increasingly common. Such fake videos can also incite unrest across nations. There is already evidence of deepfake propaganda being used in the Ukraine-Russia war. These images and videos are also being used to create fake profiles, which, through false identities or misinformation, can severely threaten a person’s online presence. What’s even more alarming is that digital attackers can gain access to a person's social media or bank accounts using just a photo or selfie. Even facial recognition systems can be manipulated with AI-generated facial data to access bank accounts and steal money. The issue isn't just limited to personal data. These Ghibli-style AI-generated cartoons and visuals are also affecting children's psychological development. Children are increasingly unable to distinguish between the real and virtual world after watching these AI-generated animations, which can cause mental disorientation. Additionally, this trend is becoming a new weapon for copyright infringement and job displacement. Artists, designers, and even animators in the film industry are being replaced by AI-generated Ghibli-style visuals. If this continues, the value and livelihood of creative professionals may decline, leading to job crises. This problem is not merely a personal one , it is a serious social issue. The threats from social media are rapidly becoming more dangerous, affecting people of all ages and classes. The consequences of such threats go beyond personal safety, they can impact social relationships, economic activity, and the very backbone of national security. If not addressed properly, our overall safety could be compromised. Therefore, it is crucial to take protective measures against such digital dangers. A few steps can help ensure personal security. Avoid uploading personal photos to AI tools. We don’t really know how and where AI companies might use our images. Once your photos are stolen, they cannot be retrieved. To protect your device from AI-based malware, use strong antivirus software like Bitdefender or Kaspersky. Enabling two-factor authentication across all your accounts can be a major protective step, preventing AI-generated face data from being used to log in. Most importantly, limit the permissions you give to AI tools. Carefully read any message or notification before accepting or denying access. Avoid giving camera, microphone, and storage access as much as possible. Above all, public awareness is the most powerful weapon to avoid these threats. The government and relevant authorities must take immediate action to raise public awareness about such digital dangers. People must be educated on the importance of safety and privacy while using AI and digital tools. This will help protect not only individual privacy but also the social fabric and discipline of society. AI-generated Ghibli-style images have undoubtedly opened a new horizon for creativity, but they have also raised critical questions about digital safety, personal privacy, and artistic originality. A single Ghibli-style image could potentially ruin someone’s life. This is not just a technological crisis, it is also a humanitarian crisis where our identity, existence, and future may be at stake. Technology has brought convenience into our lives, but it is our responsibility to use it wisely and ensure its safety. So let "responsible AI usage" be the key mantra of this digital era.