By the staff
A new social media trend in which users upload personal photos and ask AI tools to generate caricatures based on their lives and jobs is raising cybersecurity concerns, experts say.
The viral practice, popular on Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn, produces animated versions of users at work, with family, or in professional settings. But cybersecurity specialists warn that prompts often expose sensitive personal information that can be exploited for fraud.
According to Kaspersky, these requests go beyond simple filters. To generate personalized images, users often allow AI tools to access profile-linked data, including company names, logos, job titles, cities, routines, and family details.
Combined with photos, this data can help build detailed digital profiles that cybercriminals may exploit to craft convincing scams.
“The biggest risk is not the illustration itself, but everything people reveal to obtain it,” said Leandro Cuozzo, a security analyst at Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team in Latin America. “In this context, the cumulative exposure of personal data can become a gateway to social engineering attacks, identity theft, or personalized scams.”
Kaspersky’s Digital Language study found that nearly one in four users in Latin America cannot recognize fake emails or messages, while 27% admit they do not review app permissions before installing apps.
Experts warn that data shared with AI platforms may be retained for training or service improvements, meaning it does not necessarily disappear after the caricature is generated.
To reduce risks, Kaspersky advises avoiding identifiable data in prompts, not uploading photos with logos or documents, refraining from sharing information about minors, and reviewing privacy policies before using such services.
The company said its security solutions can help protect against phishing and malicious links tied to these trends.
