Meta faces backlash over AI tool using public profile pictures
Meta has launched a new AI tool called Muse Image that can generate pictures using other people's public Instagram profile photos. The feature has drawn criticism for potential privacy issues.
Meta is facing backlash over its new AI tool, Muse Image, which allows users to create images using other people's public profile pictures without their explicit consent. The tool is available through the Meta AI app, web browser, WhatsApp, and Instagram Stories for US users.
Privacy advocates have voiced strong concerns. Donald Campbell, advocacy director at tech justice non-profit Foxglove, described the feature as "an obvious recipe for disaster," citing existing harms from non-consensual AI-altered images. Privacy International criticized Meta, stating it's "the latest sign AI companies see people's images and data as raw material to be exploited."
Meta states that users can opt out of having their images used, even with a public account, through a dedicated setting in Instagram's "Sharing and Reuse" menu. The company claims the tool uses "advanced reasoning to understand complex prompts" to blend multiple photos into high-quality creations.
The tool enters a crowded market of text-to-image generators but uniquely integrates with Instagram. While free for general use, Meta plans to offer enhanced usage through subscription plans. The company also intends to expand Muse Image's availability to Facebook and Messenger in the future.