Meta disables Muse Image feature on Instagram after privacy concerns
Meta has removed the Muse Image AI tool from Instagram following user criticism that the feature could generate images using public photos without clear consent.
Meta announced on Tuesday that it is discontinuing the Muse Image capability in its Instagram AI chatbot after receiving significant user feedback. The tool allowed users to prompt the AI to create images that incorporated photos from public Instagram accounts, a function that many said violated privacy expectations.
"We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available," a Meta spokesperson said, adding that the company had intended the tool to be a "useful creative tool" that gave users control over their public imagery. Critics, including the SAG-AFTRA union, argued that the feature lacked a clear opt-in mechanism and could enable the creation of non-consensual digital replicas. The union said any use of Instagram users' images without explicit permission is unacceptable. The removal comes as Meta also rolled out an update to its smart glasses that disables the camera if the privacy light is tampered with, addressing separate concerns about inadvertent recording. While the Muse Image feature is no longer available on Instagram, Meta has not indicated whether a revised version might be reintroduced in the future.