Meta's AI Image-Generation Feature Sparks Concerns on Instagram

Concerns over consent and misuse are surrounding Meta's new AI image-generation feature, Muse Image, on Instagram.

Meta launched "Muse Image" on Tuesday, a feature that allows users to create original images, edit existing photos, and even generate custom ads directly within its apps. One capability has quickly become the center of controversy: Muse Image allows users to generate AI images using photos from public Instagram accounts. As long as a person's profile is public, another user can tag that account and use their images as part of an AI-generated creation.

The issue is consent. Users may have no idea that their public photos can be incorporated into AI-generated images by strangers, and they aren't even notified when someone reuses their public content. This makes it easy to manipulate people's images, which opens the door to misuse, harassment, impersonation, and nonconsensual image editing.

If you're looking to opt out of this, here's how you can do it.

• Go to your Instagram profile settings.
• Scroll down to "Account" and tap "Account ownership and control."
• Tap "Transfer ownership" and choose the account you want to transfer ownership of.
• Enter the email address and password of the new account owner.
• Tap "Next" and then "Transfer" to complete the process.

Muse Image arrives at a time when AI tools are being increasingly integrated into social media platforms. As tech companies race to roll out new generative AI features, many experts argue that stronger privacy protections and greater transparency are needed, so users fully understand how their photos and personal data are being used.

Public skepticism around AI is already high. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 35% of respondents said they're more concerned than excited about the growing use of artificial intelligence.

Additionally, Meta's track record on user privacy has also fueled skepticism surrounding its latest AI feature. In 2019, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5 billion fine against Facebook, concluding that the platform had violated a 2012 consent order by misleading users about how much control they had over their personal information.

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Lauren Forristal covers media, streaming, apps, and platforms at TechCrunch.