Meta has introduced an AI-powered feature called Muse Image to Instagram that has stirred privacy concerns. This new tool allows users to generate AI-created images by using photos from public Instagram accounts as references, a setting that is activated by default. Privacy advocates have raised alarms, pointing out that many users might be unaware that their publicly shared photos could be utilized for such purposes.
The company has stated that Muse Image includes various safety measures. For instance, private accounts and users under the age of 18 are automatically excluded from this feature. Furthermore, adult users with public accounts are given the option to opt out, which can be done by adjusting their privacy settings in the “Sharing and Reuse” section.
Despite these assurances, privacy experts criticize the opt-out feature, describing it as difficult to locate and arguing that users should have been required to opt in rather than being defaulted to participate. They express concern that the feature’s default setting could unintentionally expose images of children, as photos uploaded by adults might include minors, which raises additional privacy issues despite existing protections for accounts of minors.
In response to these concerns, Meta has emphasized that Muse Image incorporates measures to prevent potential misuse and provides users with the opportunity to report any inappropriate AI-generated images. This feature has been rolled out in the United States via the Meta AI app and Instagram Stories, as well as through WhatsApp in select countries, with further expansion anticipated.