Meta Deactivates Controversial Muse Image Feature Using Public Instagram Photos

Meta deactivated a feature of its new AI image generator Muse Image just three days after launch after it allowed any user to create images using public Instagram photos without consent Source: infobae, heraldomx. The feature, which let users mention public accounts with '@' in prompts to generate images based on their photos, drew widespread criticism over privacy risks and potential misuse for deepfakes and sextortion Source: elcaribedr, lavanguardia.

What is Muse Image?

Muse Image is Meta's first image generation model, developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. It interprets natural language prompts to create high-quality images, render text, apply effects, and combine multiple references Source: elnacionalve, elespanol. It integrates directly into Meta AI, WhatsApp, and Instagram Stories, with plans for Facebook and Messenger Source: excelsiormx.

Privacy Backlash and Response

Critics denounced that public accounts were opted in by default and that users were not notified when their images were used Source: elcaribedr, lavanguardia. The Screen Actors Guild urged members to adjust settings Source: heraldomx. Meta acknowledged the disappointment and removed the feature, stating it "did not meet expectations" Source: infobae. However, other Muse Image functions remain active, and previously generated content can persist even if users later change settings Source: lavanguardia.

How to Protect Your Photos

• Switch your Instagram account to private, which automatically excludes your content from reuse Source: elcaribedr.
• Or manually disable the option under Settings > Share and reuse > 'Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta' Source: elespanol. The setting is off by default only in the EU due to stricter regulations Source: elespanol.