KVKK issues warning on '80s challenge': Photos uploaded to AI carry biometric data risk

The #80sChallenge trend, where users transform their photos into 1980s aesthetics using artificial intelligence tools, has brought personal data security discussions back to the agenda. The Personal Data Protection Authority (KVKK) has issued a warning that these seemingly fun applications could lead to the processing of biometric data through photos.

As part of the trend, users upload portrait photos to various websites or mobile applications to obtain images recreated with the era's hair, makeup, clothing, and analog photo effects. However, this process may not be limited to a simple filter application. AI tools can analyze data used to distinguish individuals, such as facial features, proportions, eye spacing, and mimic details.

“Before turning your photos into nostalgic frames with AI applications, consider your digital privacy. Because applications used in social media trends like the #80sChallenge can lead to the processing of your biometric data through your photos.”

WARNING TO USERS ON DATA SHARING

The KVKK stated that before sharing photos, users should check which data the applications access and for what purposes this data might be used. In the authority's message, users were urged to be more cautious about digital privacy with the phrase, “Let memories live, but keep what belongs to you, yours.”

Among the risks frequently emphasized by experts are third-party platforms with unknown developers or non-transparent privacy policies. In such services, it is not always clearly stated where uploaded facial images are stored, how long they are kept, whether they are shared with third parties, or whether they are used to train AI models.

Unlike information that can be easily changed, such as passwords or usernames, biometric data is based on an individual's physical characteristics. For this reason, facial images falling into the hands of malicious actors can bring serious risks such as identity theft, unauthorized data mining, and deepfake fraud.

It is recommended that users review application permissions before participating in social media trends, check data storage and deletion options, and avoid unknown services if possible. Even on more well-known platforms, reviewing settings regarding whether uploaded content is used for model training is important for digital security.