Meta pulls AI image feature from Instagram after backlash
Meta Platforms has removed a new AI image generation tool from Instagram after facing significant backlash. The feature allowed users to create images based on public user content, raising privacy and misuse concerns.
Meta Platforms has abruptly taken down a new artificial intelligence (AI) feature on Instagram that allowed users to generate images from public user content. The tool, part of Meta AI, enabled users to tag public-facing accounts and use their content to create AI-generated or altered images.
The feature was quickly met with widespread criticism and concern from users and privacy advocates. Many expressed worries about potential misuse, the creation of deepfakes, and the unsolicited use of individuals' online content.
"Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," Meta stated in response to the backlash. The company acknowledged that the feature "missed the mark" and is therefore no longer available.
Meta indicated it has heard the feedback and will re-evaluate such features moving forward. The company had initially planned to roll out more AI features across its platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger, but this incident may impact future integration plans.