AI Caricature Craze Raises Privacy Concerns Amid Popularity Surge
February 9, 2026
Observers are urged to consider whether open-ended trust in AI is prudent and to be mindful of how data usage policies shape participation.
Tips for best results include starting with well-lit, unblurred photos and crafting clear, detailed prompts, with room to iterate to refine the caricature.
Even with features like data-sharing turned off, privacy risk remains if users disclose sensitive information; minimising uploads to AI services is advised.
OpenAI is exploring monetization options, including in-chat advertising and a cheaper Go tier, which could influence user engagement and data-sharing behavior.
The trend is contextualized with prior AI-driven prompts and credibility notes, including believability ratings and a call for follow-up verification.
First published on February 9, 2026, at 14:40:28 IST.
Public reception features a mix of unpredictable results and out-of-context quirks, but imperfections can enhance the feel of collaboration with AI and fuel enthusiasm.
The piece emphasizes the author’s perspective and submission guidelines, framing the article as opinion rather than a neutral report.
These concerns are amplified by the fact that photos and personal details can be stored, downloaded, or circulated, with AI firms not bound by traditional confidentiality rules.
A new ChatGPT caricature trend is sweeping platforms, where people upload selfies and receive exaggerated, cartoon-style portraits created from AI prompts, blending humor with personal identity.
For newer users or those with limited platform history, the process may ask for extra details about occupation, hobbies, or personality to tailor the likeness more accurately.
Privacy and data-security concerns persist as experts warn that sharing personal data with AI models can normalize exposing intimate details and increase identifiability.
Summary based on 40 sources
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Sources

Forbes • Feb 6, 2026
ChatGPT Trend Turns People Into Caricatures — And Shows How Well AI Knows Us
Forbes • Feb 9, 2026
The New ChatGPT Caricature Trend Comes With A Privacy Warning
USA TODAY • Feb 5, 2026
New ChatGPT trend turns you into a caricature. Here's how it works.
Mashable • Feb 4, 2026
ChatGPT caricature trend: What it is, prompt to try it.