New Meta AI generation tool automatically uses public profiles. Here’s how to opt out.
UPDATE: Meta is rolling back their AI feature after backlash. It lasted one day.
Full details and original story below:
Meta has rolled out its new Muse Image AI model, allowing users to generate AI images using photos from public Instagram accounts. As part of the feature, anyone can tag a public Instagram username in a prompt and Meta AI may use that account’s public photos to create new AI-generated images. The update is initially rolling out to users in the U.S. as Meta expands AI features across Instagram.
Meta says the feature is designed to make AI image generation more personalized for things like invitations, creative concepts, and social graphics. However, many users have raised privacy concerns because public accounts are automatically included by default, and Instagram will not notify users if someone generates AI content using their photos. Any AI-generated images that have already been created will also remain available even if you later opt out.
Users who don’t want their public Instagram photos used for AI generations can disable the feature without making their account private. To do so, open Instagram, go to your profile, tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner, then navigate to Settings → Sharing and reuse. From there, look for “Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta” and turn off the toggles for Posts and Reels. The setting may not be available for everyone yet as the update continues to roll out.
If you don’t see the new option yet, Meta says it’s being released gradually. Once available, disabling the feature will prevent future AI generations from using your content, though it won’t remove images that have already been created. Users who want the strongest protection can also switch their Instagram account to private, which prevents public photos from being used by the feature.
Meta has also shared a statement on concerns:
“We built this feature with strong controls and safety guardrails from day one. Private accounts that are under 18 are automatically excluded and adults with public accounts can opt out with easy-to-use controls. We’ll take action against any content that violates our rules.”
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