1980s AI photo trend: Delhi Police warns users of fake profiles, blackmail

1980s AI photo trend: Delhi Police warns users of fake profiles, blackmail and cyber fraud (Image Source: Delhi Police/Twitter)

The 1980s AI photo trend may look like harmless nostalgia, but Delhi Police has a warning for users. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Delhi Police asked users to be careful before uploading their photos to AI tools.

The post stated that images uploaded online can be misused to create fake profiles, carry out fraud or blackmail people.

“Looks like nostalgia but it could be a trap,” Delhi Police said in its post. “Your images can be misused for fake profiles, blackmail or cyber fraud,” it added.The warning comes as AI photo tools and filters allow users to transform modern pictures into images that look like they were taken decades ago.

Delhi Police's post specifically used the “80s Photo Scam” theme to highlight the risks linked to sharing personal images online.

Delhi Police warns against uploading photos on unknown AI tools

Delhi Police urged users to think carefully before uploading their photos to unknown AI tools. The police warning says: “DON'T UPLOAD YOUR PHOTO: Unknown Al tools can misuse your images”. It further advises users to not click on random link as a “filter can hide a scam.“YOUR PHOTO YOUR IDENTITY,” the post warns adding that the uploaded photos can be misused and eventually “lead to fake profiles, fraud, blackmail or cybercrime”.

The warning also directs people who face cyber fraud to report it through 1930, the cyber fraud helpline, or the government’s cybercrime reporting website.The police message comes with a simple warning for people taking part in the 1980s AI photo trend: enjoy the nostalgia, but be careful about where personal photos are uploaded and which links are opened.

What is 1980s AI photo trend

Popular among social media users, the 1980s AI photo trend uses AI to transform modern photos into images that look like they were taken in the 1980s. The images often feature vintage colours, old-style clothing, hairstyles and camera effects, giving people a retro look.