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TechMeta's Muse AI lets users reuse public Instagram posts by default, sparking privacy backlash
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Meta has unveiled its new Muse Image AI model, which allows Instagram users to generate and modify AI images using other people's public posts, reels, and profile pictures by tagging the account in a prompt. Public accounts are automatically opted into this feature, meaning their content can be reused unless users manually disable separate toggles for posts and reels in the Instagram app's 'Sharing and reuse' settings. Existing AI-generated images made with a user's content will not be removed, and Instagram will not notify users when their content is used. This rollout is part of Meta's broader strategy to compete with rival AI image-generation tools from OpenAI, Google, Midjourney, and Adobe. Privacy advocates have criticized the default opt-in policy, arguing it leaves users with insufficient control over how their content is repurposed, adding to Meta's long history of privacy battles.
Source report
Meta's new Muse Image model, unveiled Tuesday, allows users to generate AI images using public Instagram posts by tagging another person's account in a prompt. If your Instagram account is public, your photos — including your profile picture — may now be used in others' AI creations unless you manually change a setting.
Default Opt-In for Public Accounts
Public accounts are opted in by default, enabling others to reuse posts, reels, and profile photos unless users manually disable the feature. The controls are only available in the Instagram app, under the "Sharing and reuse" tab in the settings menu, where users can turn off separate toggles for posts and reels.
Key Privacy Details
- Existing AI-generated images made with your content will not be removed.
- Instagram states on its help page that users will not be notified if their content is used by others.
- Meta's privacy settings default to allowing others to reuse your Instagram content and modify it with AI.
Broader Context
The feature is part of Meta's broader push to compete in generative AI. The company is rolling out Muse Image to rival image-generation tools from OpenAI, Google, Midjourney, and Adobe by making AI image creation a built-in feature for Instagram's billions of users.
Ongoing Privacy Concerns
The rollout is the latest flash point in Meta's long-running privacy battles. The company has faced years of scrutiny over its corporate and user-facing data practices, including criticism for using public posts to train AI models by default and requiring users to opt out rather than opt in. Privacy advocates have long argued that such policies leave users with too little control over how their content is repurposed.
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Meta Pulls Instagram Muse AI After Privacy Backlash Over Public Photo Use