Meta has introduced a new feature, Muse Image, on Instagram that harnesses AI to generate images, but its default settings have sparked privacy concerns. The tool allows users to create AI-generated images by referencing photos from public Instagram accounts, raising alarms among privacy advocates who worry that many may unknowingly have their photos used due to the feature’s default settings.
This feature enables users to input prompts referencing public Instagram profiles to craft personalized AI images. Meta has assured that safety measures are in place, such as the exclusion of private accounts and users under 18. Additionally, adult users with public accounts have the option to opt out by adjusting their privacy settings within the “Sharing and Reuse” section.
Despite these assurances, privacy experts argue the opt-out process is not easily accessible and contend that users should have been required to opt in before their content could be utilized for AI image creation. There is also concern that images posted by adults could unintentionally include children, potentially exposing their images to AI content generation despite protections for accounts of minors.
In response to these concerns, Meta has stated that Muse Image is equipped with safeguards to prevent misuse and offers users the ability to report inappropriate AI-generated images. Currently, the feature is available through the Meta AI app, Instagram Stories in the United States, and on WhatsApp in select countries, with plans for broader rollout in the future.