Meta’s introduction of an AI-driven image generation feature for Instagram has raised alarms over privacy issues. The new tool, Muse Image, now allows users to create AI-generated images by incorporating photos from public Instagram profiles, a capability set as default. This has led privacy advocates to express concern, as many users may not realize that their publicly available images can be utilized in this manner.
Meta has assured that there are safety measures in place, specifying that private accounts and users under the age of 18 are automatically exempt from this feature. Additionally, adults with public profiles have the option to opt out by adjusting their privacy settings in the “Sharing and Reuse” section. However, privacy experts criticize the difficulty in locating this opt-out option and argue that users should have been given the choice to opt in initially before their content was used for AI image creation.
The concerns extend beyond just adult users. Privacy advocates highlight that photos shared by adults may include children, thus potentially allowing children’s images to be used in AI-generated content, despite existing protections for accounts belonging to minors. This potential risk has compounded the calls for more stringent privacy measures and user awareness.
Meta has emphasized that Muse Image is equipped with safeguards designed to prevent misuse and that there are mechanisms for users to report any inappropriate AI-generated images. Currently, this feature is accessible via the Meta AI app and Instagram Stories in the United States, as well as on WhatsApp in selected countries. Meta has plans for further expansion of the feature’s availability.