Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Delhi Police Warns Viral 1980s AI Photos Could Enable Cybercrime
A popular online trend changes ordinary photos so they look like they were taken in the 1980s.
The pictures may get vintage colors, old-fashioned clothes, hairstyles and camera effects.
To make these images, people usually upload an original photo to an AI service.
Delhi Police says people should be careful when choosing such services.
Unknown tools might misuse the pictures or use them to create fake profiles.
They could also be connected to blackmail, identity misuse or cyber fraud.
Police also warned people not to click strange links promising photo filters.
People affected by cyber fraud can call 1930 or report it through the government’s cybercrime website.
Delhi Police warned users against uploading personal photos to unfamiliar or unverified AI tools.
The viral trend transforms current photos with vintage colors, retro clothing, period hairstyles and old-camera effects.
Police said submitted images could be misused for fake profiles, identity misuse, blackmail or cyber fraud.
Users were advised to avoid unfamiliar links promising AI filters or photo-generation features.
Cyber-fraud victims can call 1930 or use the government’s dedicated cybercrime reporting portal.
- Who
- Delhi Police and people participating in the viral 1980s AI photo trend.
- What
- Delhi Police warned that uploading personal photos to unfamiliar AI tools could expose users to cyber risks.
- When
- The warning was posted on X on September 22, 2026, as the trend spread across social platforms.
- Where
- The advisory was shared on X and concerns AI services and links used online.
- Why
- Police said personal images could be misused for fake profiles, identity misuse, blackmail, cyber fraud or other cybercrime.
- Warning issuer
- Delhi Police
- Trend
- AI-generated images styled to look like 1980s photographs
- Image effects
- Vintage colors, retro clothing, period hairstyles and old-camera effects
- Main risks
- Fake profiles, identity misuse, blackmail and cyber fraud
- Safety advice
- Avoid unfamiliar AI platforms and random links offering filters or photo-generation tools
- Cyber-fraud helpline
- 1930
- Reporting option
- The government’s dedicated cybercrime reporting portal
