Meta has introduced a new AI-driven feature for Instagram called Muse Image, which has led to privacy concerns due to its default setting that permits the creation of AI-generated images using photos from public Instagram profiles. This development allows users to input prompts referencing public accounts, sparking debate among privacy advocates who are worried that many individuals may not realize their publicly shared images can be utilized in this manner.
The company has assured users that safety measures are in place, emphasizing that accounts set to private and users under the age of 18 are automatically excluded from this feature. For those with public profiles, an option to opt out is accessible by adjusting privacy settings in the “Sharing and Reuse” section. However, experts in privacy argue that this opt-out feature is not prominently visible and suggest that users should have been required to opt in before their images became available for AI-generated use.
Further concerns have been raised regarding the potential inclusion of children’s images in photos posted by adults, which could inadvertently allow them to be utilized in AI-generated content. Despite Meta’s protections for accounts belonging to minors, advocates stress the risk of children’s images being indirectly affected.
Meta has stated that Muse Image incorporates safeguards to prevent misuse and provides users with the ability to report any inappropriate AI-generated images. Currently, the feature is accessible through the Meta AI app, Instagram Stories in the United States, and WhatsApp in select countries. The company has plans for broader availability in the future.