Meta’s introduction of an AI-driven image generation feature on Instagram is raising privacy issues, as it permits users to create AI-generated images using photos from public Instagram accounts by default. Known as Muse Image, this feature allows users to incorporate references from public profiles into prompts to craft personalized AI imagery. Privacy advocates are concerned that many Instagram users might be unaware that their publicly posted photos can be utilized in this manner, given that the feature is activated by default.
According to Meta, the tool is equipped with safety measures, ensuring that private accounts and users under the age of 18 are automatically excluded from this functionality. Adult users with public accounts do have the ability to opt out, but they must do so by adjusting their privacy settings in the “Sharing and Reuse” section. Despite these measures, privacy experts argue that the option to opt out is not easily accessible, and they believe users should have been required to opt in rather than being automatically included.
Further concerns have been voiced by advocates who highlight the potential for adult-posted photos that include children to be used in AI-generated content, despite existing safeguards for underage accounts. This raises worries about children’s images being inadvertently referenced in AI creations, sparking calls for stricter privacy controls and clearer user consent processes.
Meta has stated that Muse Image is designed with protections to prevent misuse and includes a mechanism for users to report any inappropriate AI-generated images. Currently, the feature is accessible through the Meta AI app, Instagram Stories in the United States, and WhatsApp in selected countries, with plans to expand its availability further.