Meta has introduced a new AI-powered feature called Muse Image on Instagram, which has stirred privacy concerns due to its capability to generate AI images using photos from public Instagram accounts by default. This tool allows users to incorporate public Instagram profiles into prompts to create personalized AI images. However, privacy advocates are worried that many users might not realize their publicly shared photos are being utilized in this manner, as the default setting permits such use.
In response to these concerns, Meta has highlighted that it has implemented safety measures, including the automatic exclusion of private accounts and users under 18 from this feature. Additionally, adult users with public accounts have the option to opt out by adjusting their privacy settings in the “Sharing and Reuse” section. Despite these measures, privacy experts argue that the opt-out process is not easily accessible and believe an opt-in approach should have been taken for user consent.
Further concerns have been raised regarding the potential inclusion of children in photos posted by adults, which could lead to these images being incorporated into AI-generated content despite existing safeguards for underage accounts. Privacy advocates emphasize the need for more robust protections to prevent the unintended use of children’s images within this AI framework.
Meta assures that Muse Image is equipped with safeguards to prevent misuse and provides users with the ability to report any inappropriate AI-generated images. This feature is currently accessible through the Meta AI app, Instagram Stories in the United States, and WhatsApp in selected countries, with plans for broader availability in the future.