In the recent viral wave of the “Ghibli effect” generated using ChatGPT-based tools or related AI generators, users across the globe were uploading images, tweaking prompts, or asking others to generate personalized visuals. Amidst this trend, conversations around data privacy, potential misuse, and lack of transparency in AI tools surfaced. As privacy professionals, this trend presents an important opportunity to apply practical privacy knowledge.

What is the analysis of this trend from a privacy and data protection perspective, assessing potential risks, safeguards, and the user responsibilities involved.

1. Privacy Notice & Transparency Check:

• If a user uploads their image or content to ChatGPT or any third-party tool, what should they check in the privacy notice?
• Are there terms related to data retention, reuse of inputs for model training, or third-party sharing?
• What is the difference between OpenAI’s free and paid versions in terms of data use?

2. Legitimate Concern or Overreaction?

• Some social media posts claimed that uploading anything to OpenAI equals handing over rights to OpenAI.
• As a privacy professional, how would you verify this claim?
• What’s the difference between “input data,” “training data,” and "user data" in these contexts?

3. Is This a Privacy Impact Case?

• Would you consider the Ghibli trend as a Privacy Impact Assessment-worthy event for a business using such tools?
• What if an employee of a regulated business uploads internal team photos to generate art — does that create a privacy or compliance risk?

4. Practical Actions for Individuals & Companies:

• What steps should individuals take before using such AI tools (e.g., reading privacy terms, turning off chat history, avoiding personal data)?
• How can companies govern the use of generative AI tools by their teams (AI policies, disclaimers, training)?
• What type of clauses or safeguards can be introduced when using AI tools in an organization?

Real-world thinking process for a privacy consultant or officer should follow when evaluating viral tech trends and advising individuals or organizations. It's not just about the law, but about practical, on-the-ground awareness and action.