Meta has withdrawn a newly launched AI image-generation feature after it sparked widespread criticism over privacy concerns and the use of public Instagram photos without an explicit opt-in.
The feature, called Muse Image, was introduced earlier this week as part of Meta’s AI chatbot. It allowed users to generate and edit AI-created images using publicly available Instagram photos as input.
However, the tool quickly drew backlash from users, privacy advocates and entertainment industry groups, who argued that the feature relied on an automatic opt-in mechanism rather than obtaining clear user consent.
In a statement, Meta said the feature had been removed after listening to public feedback.
“Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way. We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available,” the company said.
Muse Image was the first image-generation model released by Meta Superintelligence Labs. The tool enabled users to create AI-generated images from existing photos and modify them through sketches within the Meta AI chatbot.
The feature came under renewed scrutiny after Emmy-winning actor Hannah Einbinder, best known for Hacks, criticised it on Instagram, saying it had been enabled automatically and urging users to disable it.
The performers’ union SAG-AFTRA also called on members and other Instagram users to opt out, arguing that any use of people’s images for AI should require a clear and explicit opt-in.
Following Meta’s decision, the union welcomed the move, saying that encouraging the creation of non-consensual digital replicas posed significant risks and that discontinuing the feature was the responsible course of action.
The reversal highlights growing pressure on technology companies to provide users with greater transparency and control over how their publicly shared content is used to train and power artificial intelligence systems.
(with inputs from Reuters)
