Meta Removes AI Image Feature After Privacy Backlash

Meta has discontinued an artificial intelligence feature that was introduced earlier this week after it faced widespread criticism over privacy concerns. The feature allowed users to generate AI images by using content from public Instagram accounts.

The company announced the decision in a statement, saying the feature is no longer available after receiving strong public feedback.

"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 said. "We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available."

Feature Was Introduced With Muse Image

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, launched Muse Image on Tuesday as its first image-generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs.

The tool was built into the Meta AI chatbot and allowed users to create AI-generated images by using photos as input. It also included an editing option that enabled users to modify generated images through sketches.

Privacy Concerns Sparked Immediate Criticism

Soon after its launch, the feature faced criticism from users who raised concerns about privacy. Many objected to the fact that the feature was enabled automatically, making it an opt-in by default for public Instagram accounts.

Critics argued that users should have been given a clearer choice before their public content could be used in this way.

Hannah Einbinder Urged Users to Disable the Feature

Emmy-winning actor Hannah Einbinder, best known for the television series "Hacks," publicly criticised the feature on Instagram.

She said the setting had been switched on automatically and encouraged Instagram users to turn it off.

SAG-AFTRA Called for an Opt-In System

On Thursday, SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and other media professionals, also urged its members and other Instagram users to opt out of the feature.

The union said that allowing the use of public images without a clear opt-in process was unacceptable.

"Anything other than a clear and conspicuous opt-in for these types of uses of Instagram users' images is unacceptable, and an utter miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the obvious dangers and harms inherent in such use," SAG-AFTRA said.

Union Welcomes Meta's Decision

After Meta announced that it was removing the feature, SAG-AFTRA welcomed the company's decision.

A spokesperson for the union said, "With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behavior is unwise. We appreciate its discontinuance. It is the responsible thing to do."

Growing Focus on User Control

Meta's decision to discontinue the AI image feature highlights the increasing pressure on technology companies to provide users with clear control over how their publicly shared content is used in AI-powered tools.