Social media platforms are currently witnessing a viral phenomenon where users synthesize images of themselves using artificial intelligence, particularly through chatbots like ChatGPT. These AI-generated images are increasingly being used as profile pictures on sites such as Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. According to Laura Kankala, head of cyber threat intelligence at F-Secure, this trend is part of a larger pattern where individuals already share vast quantities of personal information online, suggesting that we have crossed a threshold in terms of online sharing.

Kankala notes that while users often engage in this behavior without considering the privacy implications, there is potential risk involved. Specifically, when using free chatbot services, there is a chance that the uploaded images might be utilized for further AI training purposes. This backstage processing is not apparent to users, which can lead to concerns about how their personal data, photographs, and identities could be repurposed or stored without their explicit consent.

One of the most critical warnings that Kankala emphasizes is for users to refrain from uploading other people's images to these AI applications without permission. Engaging in such actions not only violates privacy norms but also exposes the uploader to potential legal consequences. As the trend continues to evolve, users are encouraged to take proactive steps to understand and manage their online data and privacy settings effectively.