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As generative AI platforms such as ChatGPT-4o, Grok 3, and Midjourney become more advanced and accessible, cyber experts are warning of a disturbing rise in misuse\u2014one that poses serious risks to users, institutions and democratic processes, especially in regions like South Asia.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Madhu Srinivas, Chief Risk Officer at Signzy, a global RegTech company specialising in AI-powered risk<\/a> and compliance solutions, sounded the alarm in an exclusive interaction, noting how bad actors are increasingly exploiting these tools beyond simple document forgery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “These platforms are now being used to create fake human faces, hyper-realistic scenes, and emotionally manipulative visuals that feed into scams, smear campaigns, and even political disinformation,” said Srinivas.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The most pressing dangers for common users lie in sophisticated phishing attacks enhanced by fake imagery, the risk of personal photos<\/a> being scraped and turned into deepfakes, and the psychological toll of being targeted by manipulated content on social media and messaging platforms.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “Victims often don\u2019t realise they\u2019ve been targeted until the damage is done,” Srinivas added. “We\u2019re seeing a rise in non-consensual content and AI-powered fraud, both of which are escalating rapidly.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Srinivas listed five real-world scenarios demonstrating the threat posed by AI-generated visuals:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Generative AI\u2019s ability to mimic facial and iris biometrics is also causing deep concern in sectors like fintech and surveillance. In financial services, synthetic identities can be used to bypass Know Your Customer (KYC)<\/a> protocols, while in public surveillance, fake faces make it easier to evade detection or commit fraud.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “When a fake face can pass as real, the integrity of biometrics itself comes under threat,” Srinivas warned.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The danger is particularly pronounced in South Asia, where political tension, rapid information spread via WhatsApp and Telegram, and emotional polarisation make AI-generated images an ideal vector for disinformation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n “A single fake image of a politician at a fabricated protest or a violent incident can go viral in minutes,” Srinivas said. \u201cThese visuals influence public opinion far faster than facts can catch up, making them powerful tools of manipulation.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n He also highlighted the weaponisation of deepfakes in cyber extortion schemes targeting journalists, activists, and women\u2014a trend increasingly being exploited by foreign actors to sow discord and mistrust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nEveryday users at risk<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Five major crimes fuelled by AI-generated imagery<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\nA blow to biometric security and surveillance<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Deepfakes and disinformation in South Asia<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Are platforms doing enough?<\/strong><\/h3>\n