From Trend to Threat: UAE Experts Sound the Alarm on AI Photo Apps

If your feed looks like a gallery of dreamy, animated portraits lately, you’re not alone. AI-powered photo apps that turn selfies into fantasy-style artwork have exploded in popularity across the UAE and beyond.

These apps promise a quick escape into a stylized world, and users are jumping on board. But while the results are eye-catching, cybersecurity experts warn that there’s more at stake than likes and shares. Underneath the creative surface lies a growing digital threat.

Cybersecurity Concerns: Weak Encryption, Vague Data Policies, and Third-Party Risks

The danger isn’t in the art—it’s in the app. UAE cybersecurity specialists have flagged several issues, starting with weak encryption and unclear privacy policies. 

Many of these platforms don’t explain where your data is stored or how it might be used. Plus, some mimic the look of well-known, trusted services, making it hard to tell the difference. 

What’s worse, experts believe that some apps could be sharing personal data with third parties without consent. Because users often grant full access to their camera, gallery, or even contact list, they might unknowingly open the door to identity theft, impersonation, or long-term data misuse.

UAE Cybersecurity Experts Are Raising Alarms Following the Ghibli-Style AI Art Trend

This isn’t the first time AI apps have raised eyebrows, but officials say the risks are evolving faster than ever. What triggered renewed concern is the viral wave of Ghibli-style AI art flooding social media, prompting cybersecurity leaders like Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti to speak out.

He warned that the increased accessibility of AI makes it easier for users to unknowingly expose personal data. As these tools become more embedded in everyday digital life, the urgency to address how they process, store, and share personal information has only grown.

Calls for Enhanced App Store Policies, Developer Accountability, and Regulatory Action

Cybersecurity professionals are calling for more than just public awareness—they want systemic change. Experts argue that app developers should be held accountable for how they handle user data, starting with better encryption and clearer privacy controls. 

There’s also a growing demand for tighter app store guidelines, especially when it comes to image-processing platforms. Regulators are being urged to introduce transparency requirements that reveal what data is collected, where it’s stored, and who has access. 

Without these safeguards, officials say, users will remain vulnerable in a digital environment where personal photos can be mined, monetized, or even manipulated.

Staying Safe: Stick to Verified Apps, Read Privacy Policies, and Avoid Uploading Sensitive Images

While regulation takes time, users can protect themselves now with a few simple habits. 

First, stick to verified apps from trusted developers, and avoid free versions that lack clear privacy settings. Besides that, always read the terms before granting access to your gallery or camera—especially if you’re uploading sensitive or personal images. 

Plus, if the app feels unfamiliar or mimics another brand, that’s a red flag. Finally, and most importantly, stay informed. A little digital literacy goes a long way, and understanding how your data moves online is the first step toward staying safe.

Digital Literacy and Resilience in the Age of AI

AI is here to stay, and with it comes the responsibility to engage with these tools safely and thoughtfully. Rather than fear, the focus should be on understanding how to use AI wisely. 

The UAE’s approach is about empowerment—stay informed, stay protected, and embrace the future of technology with confidence!

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