The internet is buzzing with the Ghibli-style portrait trend as people flood social media with AI-generated images created using ChatGPT’s, or more precisely, GPT-4o’s, native image generation capabilities.
However, amid this online frenzy, a concerning trend is emerging.
Some social media users have begun utilizing the powerful AI tool to generate images of fake Aadhaar and PAN cards, raising serious concerns about its potential for misuse.
So, how are people creating fake government IDs? And more importantly, how can you differentiate to stay safe? Here’s what we know
ChatGPT creating fake govt IDs
Several users on X have shared images of fake Aadhaar cards generated by ChatGPT, sparking widespread debate.
One user posted a picture and wrote, “Ok, so ChatGPT can create Aadhaar images. That’s not the interesting thing. The interesting thing is, where did it get the Aadhaar photo data for training?
Others took the trend a step further, sharing images of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Tesla CEO Elon Musk with their faces superimposed onto Indian Aadhaar cards—complete with a QR code and a valid-looking Aadhaar number.
But it’s not just Aadhaar cards. Some social media users claim that the chatbot has also generated PAN cards with remarkable accuracy.
For context, Aadhaar cards are issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), while the Income Tax Department provides PAN cards.
ChatGPT is generating fake Aadhaar and PAN cards instantly, posing a serious security risk. This is why AI should be regulated to a certain extent,” one user warned.
Another user, while sharing a fake ID, wrote, “Bro… ChatGPT just generated a fake PAN card in seconds. Imagine if this tech gets into the wrong hands — Aadhaar, PAN, IDs, everything can be replicated. This is cool and terrifying. We’re not ready.”
OpenAI admits its new image generator has more risks
With the launch of ChatGPT’s built-in image-generation capabilities, it will rely less on external models like DALL-E 3.
This advancement allows the AI to follow detailed natural language instructions more effectively, generating highly nuanced and accurate visuals. However, OpenAI has acknowledged that this new technology also introduces more significant risks.
“Unlike DALL-E, which operates as a diffusion model, 4o image generation is an autoregressive model natively embedded within ChatGPT. This fundamental difference introduces several new capabilities that are distinct from those of previous generative models and pose new risks…These capabilities, alone and in new combinations, have the potential to create risks across various areas in ways that previous models could not,” OpenAI had stated.
How to stay safe from frauds?
To identify the difference between an AI-generated Aadhaar card and a genuine government-issued one, follow these key checks.
According to Mint, the first step is to examine the passport-size image on the ID. AI-generated images, even if sourced from an original photo, may have subtle differences. In some cases, the picture on the fake Aadhaar card may differ significantly from the one uploaded initially.
Next, compare the Hindi and English fonts used on the real and fake Aadhaar cards. AI-generated versions may have slight variations in typography.
Another important factor is the syntax—look closely at the structure of the Aadhaar card, including the placement of colons, slashes, and commas. Fake cards often have minor discrepancies in these details.
The logos of Aadhaar and the Government of India should also be checked carefully. AI-generated versions may have inconsistencies in design, spacing, or clarity.
Finally, verify if a QR code is present on the Aadhaar card. If it is, scan it to check its authenticity.
You can also verify your Aadhaar card online by visiting the UIDAI’s official website or using MyAadhaar. If the Aadhaar number is fake, the website will prompt you to enter a valid number and prevent further action. If the card is genuine, a new page will appear, displaying “[Entered Aadhaar number] Exists” and “Aadhaar Verification Completed.”
