A nostalgic photo trend has taken social media by storm, but Telangana Police have warned that the rush to recreate 1980s style portraits could leave users with more than just a vintage looking picture.
The viral AI trend, which has attracted celebrities, politicians and social media users, is now reportedly being exploited by cybercriminals circulating fake photo editing apps and malicious APK files. These apps are being promoted through social media posts, messaging platforms and third party websites, often using names associated with the popular trend to appear legitimate.
According to Telangana cybercrime authorities, downloading such applications from unverified sources could expose users to malware and put sensitive information stored on their phones at risk. Personal photographs, contacts and other private data could potentially be accessed if users grant suspicious apps unnecessary permissions.
The police have urged users to download photo editing applications only from official app stores or verified sources. They have also advised people to check the developer’s details, review app permissions and verify the source before installing anything.
The warning comes as interest in AI-powered photo editing tools continues to grow, with many users eager to join the latest online craze. Cybercriminals are reportedly taking advantage of that curiosity by disguising harmful files as harmless editing applications.
Telangana Police have reminded users that a viral trend is not worth compromising their digital security. Before downloading an app promising to turn your photograph into a retro masterpiece, it is worth checking whether the app itself is genuine.
