Google's Nano Banana AI Takes India by Storm: Creativity, Trends, and Privacy Concerns

India leads the way on Google's Nano Banana with a local creative twist | TechCrunch

Google's Nano Banana image-generation model, officially known as Gemini 2.5 Flash Image, has fueled global momentum for the Gemini app since launching last month. But in India, it has taken on a creative life of its own, with retro portraits and local trends going viral -- even as privacy and safety concerns begin to emerge. India has emerged as the No. 1 country in terms of Nano Banana usage, according to David Sharon, multimodal generation lead for Gemini Apps at Google DeepMind, who spoke at a media session this week. The model's popularity has also propelled the Gemini app to the top of the free app charts on both the App Store and Google Play in India. The app has also climbed to the top of global app stores' charts, according to Appfigures. Given India's scale -- the world's second-largest smartphone market and second-biggest online population after China -- it is no surprise the country is leading in adoption. But what is catching Google's attention is not just how many people are using Nano Banana, it is how: Millions of Indians are engaging with the AI model in ways that are uniquely local, highly creative, and in some cases, completely unexpected. One of the standout trends is Indians using Nano Banana to re-create retro looks inspired by 1990s Bollywood, imagining how they might have appeared during that era, complete with period-specific fashion, hairstyles, and makeup. This trend is local to India, Sharon told reporters. A variation of the retro trend is what some are calling the "AI saree," where users generate vintage-style portraits of themselves wearing traditional Indian attire. Another trend local to India is people generating their selfies in front of cityscapes and iconic landmarks, such as Big Ben and the U.K.'s retro telephone booths. "We saw a lot of that in the beginning," Sharon said. Indian users are also experimenting with Nano Banana to transform objects, create time-travel effects, and even reimagine themselves as retro postage stamps. Others are generating black-and-white portraits or using the model to visualize encounters with their younger selves. Some of these trends did not originate in India, but the country played a key role in helping them gain global attention. One example is the figurine trend, where people generate miniature versions of themselves, often placing them in front of a computer screen. The trend first emerged in Thailand, spread to Indonesia, and became global after gaining traction in India, Sharon said. In addition to Nano Banana, Google has observed a trend where Indian users are utilizing its Veo 3 AI video-generation model on the Gemini app to create short videos from old photos of their grandparents and great-grandparents. All of this has helped drive Gemini's popularity on both the App Store and Google Play in India. Between January and August, the app saw an average of 1.9 million monthly downloads in the country -- about 55% higher than in the U.S. -- accounting for 16.6% of global monthly downloads, per Appfigures data shared exclusively with TechCrunch. India downloads have totaled 15.2 million this year until August; the U.S., on the other hand, has had 9.8 million downloads so far this year, per Appfigures data. Daily downloads of the Gemini app in India significantly surged following the release of the Nano Banana update, beginning on September 1 with 55,000 installs across both app stores. Downloads peaked at 414,000 on September 13 -- a 667% increase -- with Gemini holding the top overall spot on the iOS App Store since September 10 and on Google Play since September 12, including across all categories, Appfigures data shows. Despite India leading in downloads, the country does not top in-app purchases on the Gemini app, which has generated an estimated $6.4 million in global consumer spending on iOS since launch, per Appfigures. The U.S. accounts for the largest share at $2.3 million (35%), while India contributes $95,000 (1.5%). However, India posted a record 18% month-over-month growth in spending, reaching $13,000 between September 1 and 16 -- compared to an 11% global increase during the same period. That puts India seven percentage points above the global rate and more than 17 points ahead of the U.S., where growth was under 1%. That said, as with other AI apps, there are concerns about users uploading personal photos to Gemini to transform their appearance. "When a user asks us to fulfill their query, we do our best to fulfill that query. We don't try to assume what the user's intent is," Sharon said while addressing questions on how Google is dealing with data misuse and privacy concerns among users in India and other top markets. "We've really tried to improve that, and we have improved that to be bold and fulfil your request." Google places a visible, diamond-shaped watermark on images generated by the Nano Banana model and also embeds a hidden marker using its SynthID tool to identify AI-generated content. SynthID allows Google to detect and flag whether an image was created using its models. Sharon told reporters that Google is testing a detection platform with trusted testers, researchers, and other experts. The company also plans to launch a consumer-facing version that would allow anyone to check whether an image is AI-generated. "This is still day one, and we're still learning, and we're learning together. There are things that we might need to improve on in the future, and it's really your feedback from users, press, academia, and experts that helps us improve," Sharon said.

Google's Viral Gemini Banana Trend is Fun, But It Comes With a Privacy Risk

Users can protect their data by turning off Gemini Apps Activity Gemini's Nano Banana trend is currently sweeping social media platforms. With more than 500 million image generations, this custom artificial intelligence (AI) model allows users to upload an image and make complex edits using text prompts. While the Gemini feature is fun to use, it has again sparked debates on data privacy and safety, as every single conversation with the AI chatbot, as well as the uploaded images, is stored by the Mountain View-based tech giant and can be used to train its AI models and improve the services. What Is Google's Policy on Data Collection and Usage via Gemini According to the company's support page titled Gemini Apps Privacy Hub, Google collects all information a user provides to the chatbot, including text and voice prompts; uploaded files, videos, screens, photos, and web pages; audio, video, and screens shared with Live, and more. In addition, the tech giant also collects all Gemini responses, information from apps connected with Gemini and the apps where Gemini is available, device data, as well as data of user interaction with public Gemini app content. Put simply, Google collects data from every interaction a user makes with Gemini. So, goes without saying that every single image of yourself and your loved ones that you have shared with Gemini can and will be collected by default. And how is it used? This is what the company says. As per the tech giant and its Privacy Policy, user data is used to develop new services, personalise services, measure performance, and more. Google also highlights that these uses "extend to the generative AI models and other machine-learning technologies powering our services." This means the data can also be used to improve the existing and future Gemini models. Apart from this, the company also states that human reviewers, including trained reviewers from its service providers, get to review some of the collected data. "Please don't enter confidential information that you wouldn't want a reviewer to see or Google to use," the support page mentions. How Can You Stop Google from Collecting User Data from Gemini Conversations The way to stop Google from collecting data from the conversations you've had with Gemini exists within the app and the Gemini website, but it is not advertised by the company outside of the support pages. According to another support page, users can opt out of data collection and stop the company from training AI models on their data by turning off Gemini Apps Activity. On the mobile app, the option can be found by tapping on the profile button on the top right side and locating the Gemini Apps Activity option. On the website, users need to click on the "Settings & help" and go to the "Activity" option. Once on this screen, users will see an option dubbed "Keep activity," followed by a toggle. By default, this toggle is kept turned on, as long as the user is 18 years or older. This can be changed to either "Turn off" or "Turn off and delete activity." The former ensures that in the future, data is not collected from any new conversations, while the latter also deletes older conversations from Google's servers. "When you choose to delete activity manually or if the activity is deleted automatically, we immediately start the process of removing it from the product and our systems. First, we aim to immediately remove it from view. Then, we begin a process designed to safely and completely delete the data from our storage systems," Google says. Do note that even when Keep Activity is off, the conversations are saved for up to 72 hours. This allows the company to provide the service and process any feedback. This activity does not appear in the user's Gemini Apps Activity.

Bored of viral saree trend? Try the other new 'hug your younger self' prompt from Gemini Nano Banana

The latest wave of AI-generated content taking over Instagram isn't about glamour, sarees, or fantasy landscapes -- it's about something far more personal. The "Hug Your Younger Self" trend, powered by Google's Gemini Nano Banana tool, has struck a deep emotional chord. Users are uploading current photos alongside childhood pictures, generating realistic edits where their present selves embrace their younger versions. The result: moving images that blend nostalgia with self-love, sparking thousands of heartfelt posts across social media. Unlike other viral edits, this one isn't about showmanship but about reflection. Many users say seeing themselves comfort or celebrate their younger selves feels therapeutic -- a reminder of how far they've come. Gemini Nano Banana makes the process simple. All you need is one current picture and a childhood photo: For those wanting a Polaroid-style finish, some users recommend asking the AI for slightly blurred edges and a flash-lit background, adding a candid, memory-like quality. If you've already tried the saree edits or are ready to move on, Nano Banana offers plenty of fresh directions. Here are some creative prompts worth experimenting with: Nano Banana, built into the Gemini app, is more than a gimmick. It allows users to: Free users can make up to 100 edits a day, while Pro and Ultra subscribers have the option to push that number up to 1,000. However, Google recently updated its policy, noting that limits for free users may be adjusted depending on server capacity. From saree filters to hugging childhood selves, Gemini's Nano Banana has shown how personal AI tools can be. Whether it's fun experiments or emotional journeys, the model is reshaping how people capture -- and reimagine -- memories.

Gemini Nano Banana AI moves beyond saree trend: Here's what to try next - retro cinema, fantasy map art & more

If your social feed has already seen your airbrushed, draped-in-saree AI avatar -- or you're simply tired of the endless stream of similar posts -- don't worry. Google's Nano Banana, the quirky nickname for its Gemini 2.5 Flash Image editor, has much more to offer than just turning you into a glamorous saree model. In fact, the tool comes packed with a range of creative prompts that can make your photos look like fantasy illustrations, retro movie stills, or even video game characters. The image-editing feature, available inside the Gemini app, lets you reshape your photos with remarkable flexibility. You can blend multiple images into one, tweak specific areas without touching the rest, or apply the style of one picture onto another -- all while keeping people or pets recognizable across edits. Free users can experiment with up to 100 edits per day, while Pro and Ultra subscribers get as many as 1,000. For anyone ready to push past the saree hype, here are some directions worth exploring: While the saree look may have dominated feeds, other experiments are quickly taking off too. Some users are generating hyper-realistic figurines of themselves, styled like high-end action figures in display boxes. Others are embracing retro, moody portraits, inspired by old-school Bollywood and cinematic aesthetics. Trends come and go, but Google's Nano Banana shows no sign of losing steam. Once you've checked the saree box, the real fun begins -- experimenting with new styles, moods, and worlds that keep your edits fresh and your feed unpredictable.

Viral AI saree trend goes wrong as 'creepy' detail in edits leaves Instagram users worried about privacy

Instagram's new Google Gemini Nano Banana AI saree trend transforms selfies into retro Bollywood-style images, captivating users with its glamorous edits. While many enjoy the AI-powered nostalgia, concerns arise as users report unsettling glitches, including the addition of personal details like moles. Experts advise caution, urging users to prioritize privacy and carefully review AI-generated images. Instagram has a new obsession, the Google Gemini Nano Banana AI saree trend. From everyday selfies to dreamy Bollywood-style portraits, users are transforming their photos into dramatic retro edits that look straight out of a 90s film poster. Flowing chiffon sarees, golden-hour light, and cinematic poses have made the trend a viral favourite. But while most are enjoying the glamour, some are also sounding alarms about AI safety. The tool lets users upload a normal selfie and watch it turn into a glossy, retro-style image in seconds. Gemini's AI reimagines the photo with soft drapes, detailed saree patterns, and that nostalgic Bollywood glow. Thousands have joined in, flooding Instagram with their edits and enjoying a slice of AI-powered nostalgia. Still, not every experience has been picture-perfect. Alongside the glamour, users have spotted odd glitches, from distorted fingers to eerie little details that weren't there before. One Instagrammer, Jhalakbhawani, shared her unsettling encounter with the trend. She uploaded a simple picture in a green suit, asking Gemini to drape her in a saree. The result looked beautiful at first glance, but something caught her eye later: A post shared by Indic tales world (@indictalesworld) "There is a mole on my left hand in the generated image, which I actually have in real life. The original photo I uploaded did not have a mole." The uncanny detail left her confused, and worried. She took to Instagram to caution her followers: "Whatever you upload on social media or AI platforms, make sure you stay safe." Her experience has since sparked conversations about whether AI can sometimes pick up or even imagine intimate details, making users rethink how much of themselves they want to hand over to such tools. Gemini's Nano Banana model works by studying patterns from massive image datasets. When you upload a selfie and prompt it, the AI predicts what should appear in the new scene, from clothing textures to lighting effects. Occasionally, though, it can insert details that feel eerily personal, like a mole or mark. Most experts say this is coincidence or inference, but the effect can still be unsettling. To reassure users, Google has built in safeguards. Images generated with Nano Banana come with invisible watermarks (SynthID) and metadata tags that mark them as AI-made. These aren't visible to the average viewer but can help platforms detect synthetic content. Even so, specialists warn that watermarks and metadata aren't foolproof, especially if images are downloaded, cropped, or altered. If you're tempted to try the saree filter but don't want surprises, a few simple steps can keep you safer: The saree edits may be glamorous, but staying mindful ensures that the fun doesn't come at the cost of personal safety. After all, an AI saree drape is only worth it if it leaves you with memories to cherish, not questions to fear. Inputs from agencies (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)

Gemini AI Saree Trend Rules Instagram; But are Your Photos Really Safe?

Popular requests include black sarees, polka dot sarees, red elegant sarees, and yellow chiffon sarees in romantic settings. This blend of nostalgia and technology is capturing the attention of a broad audience. Despite the beauty of the pictures, privacy experts warn that there are dangers associated with these AI tools. Some users have noticed strange changes in their AI images. For example, Instagrammer Jhalakbhawani said the AI added a mole on her hand that wasn't in the original photo. These changes raise concerns about the extent to which can recognize personal images. tries to protect users with invisible SynthID watermarks and metadata tags in AI images. These tags are meant to label images as AI-generated. However, most users cannot see or verify the existence of the watermark, and the detection tools are not publicly available. Experts believe watermarks alone cannot protect photos because they may be stripped off or faked. UC Berkeley professor Hany Farid explained that combining watermarks with other tools can make it harder for fake images to spread. Experts suggest simple steps to keep photos safe while enjoying the trend. Avoid uploading very personal or private images. Remove location and device information before sharing. Check privacy settings to control who can see pictures. Keep original copies of photos to spot changes or misuse. Read the platform's terms to know how photos might be used. IPS officer VC Sajjanar also warned about fake Gemini apps that can steal personal information. Users should only use official tools and share images carefully. The shows how AI can make social media fun and creative. It brings nostalgia and art to selfies. However, this trend also highlights the importance of being cautious online. Stunning AI edits are fun, but privacy and safety come first. Users should enjoy the trend while following all the necessary safety practices.

Banana AI Saree: What is this viral trend on social media? - The Economic Times

The viral Banana AI saree trend on Instagram uses Google's Gemini Nano tool to transform selfies into 90s Bollywood-style portraits. Mostly featuring women in vintage sarees and golden-hour lighting, the trend has boosted Gemini to the top of app charts, surpassing ChatGPT and Grok in India and the US.A few months after the internet went crazy for Ghibli-style AI images, a new trend has taken over Instagram: the 1990s Bollywood-style saree edit, using Google's Gemini Nano Banana image tool. With this 'Banana AI saree' trend, users are generating stunning AI portraits, transforming regular selfies into vintage-looking photos. These portraits, mostly featuring women, evoke the charm of classic old-school cinema chiffon sarees, grainy textures, flower-adorned hair, and other nostalgic touches. How to try the Banana AI saree trend To join the trend and create your own edit, follow these steps: Want a masculine version? Just tweak the prompt to include traditional attire such as a shirt and dhoti, or even a retro sherwani and adjust the styling to suit. This trend follows another trend in the app, with users turning their photos into hyper-realistic 3D figurines, complete with acrylic bases and collector-style packaging. With these trends, Google Gemini has surged to the top spot on the Apple App Store's free apps chart, overtaking rivals such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Elon Musk's Grok, in both India and the US. Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, lauded the Gemini team on social media, saying this was "just the start".

Google Gemini Nano Banana AI saree trend: IPS officer says beware of this trend, you might be falling into a trap

A new social media trend called the "Banana AI Saree" is going viral on Instagram, allowing users to turn their selfies into dramatic 90s Bollywood-style portraits. The trend uses Google's Gemini Nano Banana image-editing tool and follows the popular "Nano Banana AI 3D Figurine" trend. The edits feature chiffon sarees billowing in the wind, grainy retro textures, and warm golden-hour lighting, recreating the nostalgic aesthetics of 90s Bollywood. Users are also experimenting with polka-dot sarees, black party-wear looks, and soft floral prints, with dramatic shadows and textured backdrops completing the effect. For those unfamiliar, the original "Nano Banana" trend lets users transform photos into hyper-detailed 3D figurine-style portraits -- complete with toy-like bases and colorful display packaging. The new saree variant has quickly become a favorite for those seeking a more cinematic, vintage touch. The viral craze has sparked safety warnings from cybersecurity experts and law enforcement. IPS officer VC Sajjanar issued a public advisory urging users to be cautious while participating. "Be cautious with trending topics on the internet! Falling into the trap of the 'Nano Banana' craze can be risky. If you share personal information online, scams are bound to happen. With just one click, the money in your bank accounts can end up in the hands of criminals," Sajjanar warned in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He also advised users not to upload photos or personal details to fake websites or unofficial apps mimicking the Gemini platform. "Once your data reaches a fake website, retrieving it becomes very difficult. Your data, your money -- your responsibility," he added. Users who want to try the trend are advised to stick to official platforms. To create your own AI saree portrait: By following these steps on the official app, users can enjoy the trend safely without compromising personal data or security.

Gemini Nano Banana viral trends: Fun AI edits, serious privacy questions

In September 2025, a new AI-powered photo editing tool swept across social media, turning selfies into Bollywood-style portraits and pets into plush toys. Known as "Nano Banana" - the playful nickname for Google's Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model - this feature within the Gemini app has captivated millions, driving over 500 million image generations and 10 million new downloads in weeks. Its ability to blend user-uploaded photos with imaginative prompts has made it a viral sensation, outranking competitors like ChatGPT in app stores. Yet, beneath the creative frenzy, experts are raising urgent concerns about privacy violations and the looming threat of deepfakes, casting a shadow over this digital playground. Also read: How to create viral Polaroid-style photos with celebrities for Instagram using Google Gemini's Nano Banana AI Nano Banana redefines photo editing by combining advanced AI with simple text prompts, transforming images in seconds. Available via the Gemini app or web interface, it excels at preserving subject likeness while applying fantastical edits, earning a 170 Elo score lead over rivals in image editing benchmarks. Its accessibility has fueled its meteoric rise, making Gemini the top free app in markets like India and the U.S. The tool has birthed a slew of viral trends, each dominating platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X: These trends showcase Nano Banana's creative power, with everyone praising its speed and ability to blend multiple images seamlessly, rendering traditional editing tools obsolete. While Nano Banana delights, it raises serious privacy concerns. The tool relies on user-uploaded images, and Google's terms permit these to be used for training future AI models, potentially without explicit consent. This means personal photos could linger in datasets, raising fears of unintended exposure. Child safety advocates have labeled kid-friendly versions "high risk" for data leaks, urging caution with sensitive uploads. Also read: Google Gemini overtakes ChatGPT on App Stores, becomes top AI app amid Nano Banana trend The deeper worry is deepfakes, AI-generated media that convincingly alters reality. Nano Banana's ability to produce hyper-realistic edits makes it a potential tool for creating deceptive content. Malicious actors could use it to craft fraudulent images or videos, blending faces into compromising scenarios for harassment, blackmail, or misinformation. In India, where the saree trend thrives, experts highlight risks of identity fraud, as AI edits can sometimes be reverse-engineered to reconstruct original photos. One study noted that realistic deepfakes can evade detection 70% of the time with current tools, amplifying the threat. Google has implemented safeguards, including visible watermarks and SynthID, an invisible marker to flag AI-generated content. However, these measures fall short. Watermarks can be cropped or edited out, and SynthID detection isn't widely accessible to the public. As deepfake technology advances, the potential for misuse grows, with experts warning that tools like Nano Banana could fuel scams or propaganda if not tightly regulated. Deepfakes, once a niche concern, are now a mainstream issue, and Nano Banana's capabilities thrust it into this debate. The tool's strength, blending images with uncanny realism, makes it a double-edged sword. For instance, a user could upload a selfie and prompt, "Place me in a fake news broadcast," creating a convincing but false image that could spread rapidly online. Such scenarios threaten reputations, elections, and trust in media. In 2025, deepfake-related incidents have already surged, with one report estimating a 20% rise in AI-generated fraud cases globally. The saree and celebrity selfie trends, while fun, illustrate the risk: a photo morphed into a convincing but fabricated scene could be weaponized. Privacy advocates stress that users, especially minors, are vulnerable if images are misused. The lack of robust, universal deepfake detection tools exacerbates the problem, leaving individuals and platforms struggling to keep up. Gemini Nano Banana has unleashed a creative revolution, turning everyday photos into art that captivates millions. Its viral trends - sarees, figurines, polaroids, and more - reflect AI's power to democratize imagination. Yet, the risks of privacy breaches and deepfakes loom large. Experts urge users to avoid sharing sensitive photos, scrutinize outputs for anomalies, and demand stronger safeguards from tech giants like Google. As Nano Banana continues to dominate feeds, it's a reminder that AI's magic comes with responsibility. For now, we can revel in the fun, but with eyes wide open to the dangers lurking beneath the surface.