Meta’s latest feature, Muse Image, has raised privacy concerns as it allows Instagram users to generate AI-driven images using photos from public accounts by default. This tool permits users to reference public Instagram profiles when creating customized AI images, a functionality that has sparked debate among privacy advocates. The concern is that many Instagram users might not realize their publicly shared photos can be utilized in this manner because the feature is automatically activated.
While Meta assures that safety measures are in place, including the automatic exclusion of private accounts and users under 18, adult users with public profiles must manually opt out if they don’t want their images used. The option to opt out is reportedly buried within the app’s “Sharing and Reuse” privacy settings, leading experts to argue that users should have been given the choice to opt in rather than having the feature enabled by default.
Another significant issue highlighted by advocates is the potential for images of children to be involved. Photos taken by adults could inadvertently include minors, raising concerns about their images being referenced in AI-generated content, despite existing protections aimed at underage accounts.
Meta has indicated that Muse Image includes measures to prevent misuse and offers a mechanism for users to report inappropriate AI-generated images. Currently, the feature is accessible through the Meta AI app and Instagram Stories in the United States, as well as on WhatsApp in a few selected countries, with plans for further expansion underway.