‘Use it responsibly’: Kerala Police warns against privacy risks amid viral Gemini AI photo trends

Kerala Police has issued a public warning urging citizens to exercise caution while using artificial intelligence tools to edit or enhance personal photographs. The advisory comes in response to a growing wave of AI-generated content flooding social media, where users are increasingly submitting their own images to third-party platforms for stylisation.

According to the police, such practices may expose individuals to privacy violations, impersonation or misuse of their likeness in cybercrimes. Citizens who suspect misuse or become victims are advised to report incidents immediately via the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or through the portal cybercrime.gov.in. The department emphasised the need for responsible use of AI, especially when dealing with sensitive personal data.
 

Emotional and aesthetic AI trends dominate social media feeds

The advisory follows the viral popularity of several AI-driven visual trends powered by Gemini’s Flash 2.5 model. Among the most widely shared is the ‘Hug My Younger Self’ trend, which uses AI to generate composite images of users embracing their childhood selves. The emotionally resonant format has been widely adopted across platforms, often accompanied by nostalgic captions and Polaroid-style framing.

Another trend gaining traction is the retro saree portrait, where users appear in hyper-stylised edits featuring vintage sarees, soft lighting and cinematic backgrounds. These images mimic the visual language of 90s Malayalam cinema and have become a staple in influencer reels and regional fashion content.

Gemini’s generative model reshaping digital self-expression

Both trends are underpinned by Gemini’s advanced generative capabilities, which allow for realistic image synthesis with minimal user input. Unlike traditional filters, Gemini’s model reconstructs facial features, lighting and context to produce emotionally evocative visuals. While the technology has enabled new forms of digital storytelling, experts warn that its accessibility also raises ethical and legal concerns—particularly when users are unaware of how their data is stored or repurposed.

Kerala Police’s advisory aims to raise awareness not just about immediate risks, but about the long-term implications of surrendering biometric data to unregulated platforms. As AI continues to evolve, the department urges users to remain vigilant and informed.