Cybersecurity and privacy experts are warning football fans to stay cautious when using generative AI tools to create FIFA World Cup-themed images, avatars, memes, predictions and social media content. While these platforms offer new ways to engage with the tournament, they may also expose users to privacy and security risks, especially when using unfamiliar or unofficial AI services, a press release said.
Many AI tools require users to upload selfies, sign up with email addresses, connect social media accounts or share other personal information. Without understanding how this data is stored or used, fans may unknowingly expose themselves to privacy risks. AI-generated content can also be exploited by cybercriminals to create convincing fake giveaways, official-looking fan pages, phishing sites, fraudulent stores and betting scams. Additionally, AI-powered match predictions should be treated as entertainment rather than reliable guidance, particularly when promoted alongside betting or paid services.
“AI-driven fan content may seem harmless, but one of the key privacy risks is that users are often encouraged to share far more personal information than necessary. A simple request to generate a themed avatar can involve the collection of photos, contact details, account data and behavioral insights - information that may later be insufficiently protected. Because major global events often create an ideal environment for opportunistic actors, fans should take a closer look at how these tools manage personal data before engaging with them,” - says Anna Larkina, web content analysis and privacy expert at Kaspersky.
To stay safe, Kaspersky recommends sharing only essential information with trusted AI platforms, reviewing privacy policies, avoiding linking primary accounts where possible, verifying websites and offers independently, and treating AI predictions with caution. Users should also securely manage passwords with a trusted password manager, use reliable security software with AI-powered anti-phishing protection, and avoid public Wi-Fi by using an eSIM or a trusted VPN when travelling.
