Meta lets Instagram users opt out of AI image use

Meta has launched Muse Image, an AI image generation model that can utilize individuals' public social media content. The new tool has raised privacy concerns, as it allows users to employ others' public photos as a basis for their AI creations without explicit consent.

Muse Image is described as capable of understanding complex prompts and blending multiple photos into high-quality creations. Meta provided examples including animating images, changing backgrounds, and altering personal accessories. Notably, the tool allows users to tag other Instagram accounts with an '@' mention, enabling Meta AI to use that profile's public photos to build visuals.

The company is positioning the tool as a creative aid, suggesting uses like designing personalized invitations or graphic concepts. An example given was creating an AI-generated birthday card by referencing a friend's profile. This feature was met with swift criticism from social media users concerned about privacy.

The launch has fueled broader discussions about how user data and publicly shared content are utilized for AI training and application development. Many users have expressed unease about their public photos potentially being used by AI without their full knowledge or permission.

Meta has introduced an opt-out option for users. Public Instagram accounts are opted-in by default. Users must navigate to their Instagram settings and disable the option titled "Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features." Private accounts are not affected, as their content is already inaccessible for this purpose.