Meta's new AI image generator Muse Image uses photos from public Instagram accounts by default for adults, raising privacy concerns. Users can opt out by adjusting their settings.
What is Muse Image?
On July 7, Meta launched Muse Image, its first AI image generation model developed by its Superintelligence Labs. The tool allows anyone to use photos from public Instagram accounts to generate new images. According to Meta, Muse Image “uses advanced reasoning to understand complex prompts, seamlessly blending multiple photos into high-quality creations you can download and share anywhere.”
Privacy concerns and backlash
Critics have expressed alarm over non-consensual image manipulation. Adults with public Instagram accounts were automatically opted in. One user on X wrote, “Pulling real users into generated photos without explicit consent is a privacy landmine waiting to detonate.” Donald Campbell, director of advocacy at tech justice non-profit Foxglove, told the BBC the move was an “obvious recipe for disaster.” Creative Artists Agency called for the feature to be opt-in, stating, “No one’s name, image, likeness, voice or creative work should be used by any third party, including AI models, without clear, documented consent.”
How to opt out
Users can opt out by setting their Instagram profiles to private. For those who wish to keep their accounts public, they can tap the profile picture icon in the bottom-right corner, then the menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner, and scroll down to “Sharing and reuse.” In the U.S., the section is titled “Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features,” which can be turned off. In Canada, users can toggle off options allowing others “to create with and reuse your content” and “to create with and reuse your original audio on Meta AI.”
Meta's response
A Meta spokesperson said the company built Muse Image with strong controls and safety guardrails. “Private accounts and those belonging to users under 18 are automatically excluded and adult users with public accounts can opt out with just a couple clicks. We will take action against any content that violates our Community Standards.”
Availability and future plans
Muse Image is available on the Meta AI app, meta.ai, Instagram Stories in the U.S., and WhatsApp in limited countries. Meta plans to expand to more countries and platforms, including Facebook and Messenger. Muse Video, an AI video generator, is expected in the coming months.
