Ever since artificial intelligence (AI) and AI-generated content began permeating mainstream culture, trends and viral fads have surged in number. One particularly captivating phenomenon is the recent AI saree trend. Women around the world are harnessing Google’s new Nano Banana AI tool to generate vintage, retro-style images of themselves adorned in exquisite sarees, resembling scenes from professional photoshoots. The resulting images exude an air of fantasy, complete with cinematic backdrops—almost akin to movie posters or high-fashion spreads.
However, amid this excitement, significant privacy concerns loom large. The questions being raised include how much personal data users expose to these AI tools, the potential risks of malicious websites that may entice individuals to reveal personal details, and the underlying mechanics of the AI models themselves.
What Is This Viral AI Trend?
The AI saree trend springs from Google’s Generative AI tool, Nano Banana, which gained traction following the popularity of ChatGPT’s Studio Ghibli trend. As part of Google’s AI suite, Gemini, Nano Banana is essentially a rebranded iteration of its Flash 2.5 image generation model. This innovative tool allows users to upload selfies or images, transforming them into 3D figurine-style portraits.
Over time, the nature of these outputs has evolved. Users began utilizing custom prompts, and the traditional prompt featuring women in vintage sarees has become exceptionally popular. These AI-generated images are often marked by their polished finish—skin smoothing, enhanced features, and an almost cartoon-like representation of the subject. As of mid-September, reports indicated that over 500 million images had been created or modified using the app. The Gemini AI platform also experienced a surge of new users, with 23 million sign-ups occurring in just a few weeks.
Adding a layer of accountability, the ‘Nano Banana’ images come embedded with an invisible digital watermark called SynthID, along with metadata tags. This is designed to signify that these images are AI-generated and to mitigate the risk of misuse.
In a statement from aistudio.google.com, it is noted: “All images created or edited with Gemini 2.5 Flash Image include an invisible SynthID digital watermark to clearly identify them as AI-generated. Build with confidence and provide transparency for your users.” Yet, critics argue that only specialized tools can detect this watermark, leaving the average user unable to discern which images are real and which have been generated artificially.
Is It Dangerous?
While the allure of the AI saree trend is undeniable, numerous safety concerns also surface. Users are advised to exercise caution when sharing their images and personal information with AI generators, regardless of how trustworthy they may appear. VC Sajjanar, an IPS officer, took to social media to urge people to remain vigilant. His comments serve as a warning against succumbing to the ‘Nano Banana’ craze, emphasizing that sharing personal information online can lead to scams.
In his post on X/Twitter, he cautioned: “Be cautious with trending topics on the internet! Falling into the trap of the ‘Nano Banana’ craze can be risky. If you share personal information online, scams are bound to happen. Once your data reaches fake websites and unauthorized apps, it’s difficult to retrieve. Remember… your data, your money – your responsibility.”
Another troubling experience shared on Instagram highlighted the unsettling accuracy of the AI-generated images. One user, after using the app, expressed discomfort over the fact that a mole’s placement on her body was reproduced correctly in the generated image—a detail she had not uploaded. Her observations led her to question the app’s methods and share warnings with her followers.
Comments on her post indicated that she is not alone; others reported similarly eerie experiences, where the AI divulged features, such as tattoos, that were not visible in their original photos. This triggered a discussion about the reach of AI—how it relies on extensive digital footprints to generate its outputs.
Expert Opinions
Cybersecurity experts have voiced their apprehensions about users’ privacy when interacting with these AI technologies. Saikat Datta, CEO of DeepStrat, highlighted the identity management issues at play: “When you upload a face image, the platform may store it for processing, improving models, or analytics. Even anonymized data can be misused. In the event of a data breach, your images could be compromised.”
Similarly, Anil Rachamalla, a digital literacy advocate, pointed to the ethical implications of AI-generated trends. He noted that they change societal perceptions of beauty, complicating users’ self-image when they compare themselves to AI-enhanced versions of their appearances. Rachamalla argued that privacy remains paramount, warning against apps that might repurpose user data without consent, and emphasizing the growing threat of deepfakes.
His insights underscore the need for users to navigate these technologies carefully, reminding them that while the fascination with AI is growing, vigilance regarding personal safety and digital responsibility is equally crucial.
Image Credits: Google Images
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This post is tagged under: Saree, Saree trend, AI saree trend, Google, Google Gemini, Gemini Nano Banana
Disclaimer: We do not hold any rights or copyright over any of the images used; these have been taken from Google. In case of credits or removal, the owner may kindly email us.
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