The Ghibli-Style Image Trend: A Beautiful Illusion with Hidden Risks

In recent months, the trend of creating Ghibli-style images has taken over social media. People are excited to see themselves transformed into dreamy, anime-inspired characters that look straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. But behind this seemingly innocent trend lies a serious privacy concern - users are unknowingly handing over their personal data, including photos and sometimes even sensitive details, to AI-powered apps without understanding the consequences.While these AI tools promise artistic magic, they also come with hidden dangers. It is time for people to wake up and rethink how they engage with AI trends before its too late.

The Rise of AI-Generated Ghibli-Style Images

AI has made it possible to transform real-life photos into stunning animated portraits with just one click. Many online tools and apps now claim to create Ghibli-inspired versions of people’s faces, pets, and even entire landscapes. The process is simple”users upload a personal image, the AI processes it, and within seconds, they receive an animated version of themselves.

This trend has gained massive popularity due to:

Nostalgia for Studio Ghibli films “ People love the warm, magical aesthetic of Ghibli movies like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away.

The thrill of seeing oneself in a new art style “ AI-generated art makes everyone feel like they belong in a fantasy world.Social media virality.Users excitedly share their AI-generated portraits, making more people curious to try the trend. However, most people don’t stop to think about what happens to their photos after uploading them.

The Hidden Privacy Risks

While AI-generated art looks fun and harmless, the reality is different. Many AI-powered platforms that offer Ghibli-style transformations have unclear data policies. When users upload their photos, they might unknowingly agree to terms that allow companies to store, use, or even sell their data.

1. Permanent Data Storage

Many apps do not delete uploaded images immediately. Instead, they store them on servers, which could be hacked or misused later.

2. Facial Recognition & Biometric Data Collection

AI tools may collect biometric data from faces, which could be used for facial recognition technology without user consent.

3. Third-Party Sharing

Some apps sell user data to advertisers or share it with unknown third parties, increasing the risk of identity theft.

4. Deepfake and AI Misuse

Once your face is stored in an AI system, it could be used to create deepfake images or videos without your knowledge.

5. Lack of Transparency

Most AI image-generation platforms do not clearly state what happens to the uploaded data, leaving users unaware of the risks.

Why People Keep Falling for It

Even with growing awareness about AI privacy concerns, many people continue to use such apps because: They trust technology without questioning its risks.

They don’t read terms and conditions before uploading personal data.

They feel the pleasure of social media validation outweighs the risks.

They assume everyone else is doing it, so it must be safe.

This mindset needs to change. AI trends come and go, but the personal data you give away today could be misused in the future.

How to Stay Safe While Enjoying AI Trends

If you love AI-generated art but want to protect your privacy, follow these precautions:

1. Read the Privacy Policy “Before using an AI tool, check if the company stores, shares, or deletes your images after processing.

2. Use AI tools that don’t require uploads. Some apps generate images without collecting personal data.

3. Avoid sharing personal or family photos. Never upload high-quality selfies or pictures of children to such platforms.

4. Check App Permissions “ Be cautious of apps that ask for unnecessary permissions like access to contacts or location.

5. Delete Your Data “ If an app allows you to request data deletion, use this option after trying the feature.

6. Use Offline AI Tools “ Some programs generate images locally on your device without sending data to external servers.

Final Thoughts

The Ghibli-style AI trend is a fascinating fusion of technology and art, but it is also a wake-up call. The internet is filled with data-hungry apps that use engaging trends to collect and exploit personal information. While AI-generated art is fun, it should never come at the cost of your privacy and security. Before you upload your face to any AI tool, ask yourself: Is this momentary fun worth the long-term risk? Its time to be more cautious and think before you click.

What is Student Parliament?

Student parliaments serve as dynamic platforms for young individuals to engage in democratic processes, voice their opinions, and contribute to societal development. In India, these bodies have played a pivotal role in shaping political discourse and nurturing future leaders. This blog delves into the concept of student parliaments, their significance, historical evolution in India, and highlights the 8th Chhatra Sansad India Conclave held at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Punjab.

Understanding Student Parliaments

A student parliament is a representative body within educational institutions, comprising elected student members who deliberate on issues pertinent to the student community. These parliaments aim to:

Foster Democratic Values: Encourage active participation in democratic processes, instilling values of representation, debate, and consensus-building.

Develop Leadership Skills: Provide students with opportunities to lead initiatives, enhancing their organizational and leadership capabilities.

Address Student Concerns: Act as a bridge between the student body and the institutions administration, voicing collective concerns and suggesting solutions.

Promote Civic Engagement: Engage students in societal issues, encouraging them to contribute to community development and nation-building efforts.

Significance of Student Parliaments

The importance of student parliaments lies in their ability to:

Empower Youth: By involving students in decision-making processes, these parliaments empower young individuals to take ownership of their educational and social environments.

Cultivate Responsible Citizenship: Participation fosters a sense of responsibility, preparing students to be informed and active citizens in a democratic society.

Encourage Dialogue and Debate: They provide a structured forum for discussing diverse viewpoints, promoting critical thinking and tolerance.

Influence Policy: Student parliaments can impact institutional policies and, at times, contribute to broader political and social movements.

Historical Evolution of Student Parliaments in India

The tradition of student political activism in India dates back to the pre-independence era. Students were instrumental in the freedom struggle, organizing protests and mobilizing public opinion against colonial rule. The All India Students Federation (AISF), established on August 12, 1936, was among the earliest student organizations, actively participating in the independence movement.

Post-independence, student movements continued to influence India's socio-political landscape. The Navnirman Andolan of 1974 in Gujarat is a notable example, where student protests against economic issues led to significant political changes, including the resignation of the state government.

In contemporary times, initiatives like the Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad (Indian Student Parliament), founded in 2011 by Rahul V. Karad, have institutionalized student participation in politics. This platform aims to sensitize and encourage students across the country to engage in public life and embrace active politics.

The 8th Chhatra Sansad India Conclave at LPU, Punjab

The 8th Chhatra Sansad India Conclave, a collaboration between Chhatra Sansad India (CSI) and Lovely Professional University (LPU), was held on March 21, 2025, at the LPU campus in Punjab. Themed -Vision India 2047: Bharat@100- the conclave aimed to engage over 20,000 young minds in discussions about India's future as it approaches its centenary of independence.

The event featured an illustrious lineup of national leaders, policymakers, and changemakers, including Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Anurag Thakur. Their insights and experiences inspired attendees to actively participate in nation-building and contribute to India's development trajectory. 

The conclave served as a testament to the power of ideas, leadership, and youth-driven change, providing a platform for young individuals to deliberate on governance, innovation, sustainability, and other critical issues shaping India's future.

Conclusion

Student parliaments in India have a rich history of fostering democratic engagement and influencing socio-political change. From their pivotal role in the independence movement to contemporary platforms like the Chhatra Sansad, these bodies continue to empower youth, cultivate leadership, and contribute to nation-building. The 8th Chhatra Sansad India Conclave at LPU exemplifies the ongoing commitment to involving young minds in shaping India's future, reinforcing the significance of student participation in democratic processes.

Hygiene Is in Your Hands, Not the Government’s

Recently, I took my first-ever train journey to Delhi, an experience that opened my eyes to the state of public hygiene in India. While I was excited about traveling by train for the first time, what I saw during the journey was disappointing. The way people treat public property, especially cleanliness in trains and stations, raises a big question about our mentality as a society. From the moment I stepped into the train, I noticed something disturbing- passengers treating the train as if it were a dumping ground. The washrooms were in a terrible state, filled with gutkha, khaini, and other waste products. People spat on the floors and walls, leaving behind stains that no cleaner could easily remove. Food packets, plastic wrappers, and leftovers were thrown carelessly under seats or near the doors, as if it was someone else's job to pick them up.

Is It Only the Government's Responsibility?

Many people blame the government for poor cleanliness, but do they ever stop to think about their own actions? No matter how many workers the government employs, no system can maintain hygiene if people continue to litter, spit, and misuse public facilities. At the end of the day, the cleaners and workers are also human beings, not magicians who can make everything spotless in an instant.

Hygiene is not just about the government providing services; it is also about individual responsibility. If people keep making a mess without thinking about its consequences, how can we expect a clean and healthy environment?

Changing Our Mentality

The real issue is not the lack of cleanliness but the lack of awareness and discipline among people. Here are some steps we can take to change this:

1. Use Dustbins- Most public places, including trains and stations, have dustbins. Why not use them instead of throwing garbage around?

2. Stop Spitting in Public- Chewing gutkha or khaini and spitting on walls is a habit that ruins public property. If people can maintain cleanliness at home, why not in public places?

3. Respect Public Property- Just because something is government-owned doesn't mean it is free to misuse. The government maintains trains, buses, and stations for public use, not for destruction.

4. Teach and Practice Cleanliness- If we want change, we must start with ourselves and teach our families, especially children, the importance of keeping public places clean.

Final Thoughts

A country's cleanliness reflects the mindset of its people. If we want clean trains, streets, and public places, we need to change our own habits first. The government can provide infrastructure, but maintaining hygiene is in our hands. Instead of blaming authorities, let's take responsibility and make cleanliness a part of our daily lives. Hygiene is not just about rules; it is about respect for others, for public property, and for ourselves.

“India’s Privacy Under Attack: Why We Must Question the Government’s New Surveillance Bill”

Imagine waking up one day to find that your bank account, personal details, and private conversations are no longer yours alone. The government can access everything, anytime, without your permission. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, this nightmare is turning into reality with the new bill introduced by the Government of India. This bill is a direct attack on our fundamental right to privacy. It gives the government unchecked power to spy on its own citizens. Whether it is your financial details, phone records, or online activities, nothing will remain private. The worst part? You won’t even know when and how your personal data is being accessed.

PC:theprint.in

Privacy is Our Right, Not a Privilege

In a democracy, privacy is not a luxury”it is a fundamental right. The Indian Constitution guarantees us the right to life and personal liberty under Article 21. In 2017, the Supreme Court of India also ruled that privacy is a fundamental right. Then why is the government trying to take it away? Does this mean our rights exist only on paper? The government claims this bill is for national security' and public interest. But at what cost? If security means turning every citizen into a suspect, then this is not protection - it is surveillance. Instead of targeting real criminals, the government is creating a system where every person’s private life is an open book.

A Threat to Financial and Personal Security

With this bill, the government will have the power to check your bank accounts, transactions, and financial history whenever they want. This is a serious threat to financial security. If the authorities misuse this power, it could lead to harassment, false accusations, and even financial fraud. Moreover, our personal conversations, emails, and messages could be accessed. What if someone in power misuses this information for political gains? What if journalists, activists, and common citizens are spied on for speaking against the government? This bill is not just about privacy; it is about the freedom to think, speak, and live without fear.

No Transparency, No Accountability

One of the biggest dangers of this bill is the lack of transparency. There are no clear rules on how and when the government can access our data. There is no independent body to monitor the misuse of this power. If someone’s privacy is violated, where will they go for justice? Who will hold the government accountable? The answer is - no one.

The People Must Speak Up

This bill is a direct threat to our democracy. If we remain silent today, we will lose our right to privacy forever. We, the people of India, must question the government. We must demand clear laws that protect our data and privacy. Our voices matter, and we cannot let our fundamental rights be taken away without a fight. Privacy is not a privilege given by the government”-it is our birthright. And we must protect it at all costs.