Headline
Meta removes controversial AI feature on Instagram after backlash
Alternate headlines
- Meta scraps AI tool that modified public Instagram photos after criticism
- Meta pulls controversial Instagram AI feature over privacy concerns
- Meta drops AI image tool following backlash from users
- Meta reverses course on Instagram AI photo feature after outrage
- Meta axes AI feature that used public Instagram photos
- Meta removes Instagram AI tool amid concerns over misuse
- Meta withdraws controversial AI image feature after user backlash
- Meta ends AI tool that let users reference public Instagram photos
Story
Meta has removed a controversial artificial intelligence feature that allowed users to generate images by referencing photos from public Instagram accounts, following widespread backlash over privacy and potential misuse.
The feature, introduced earlier this week as part of Meta's new Muse Image AI image generator developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs, enabled users to create AI-generated images by simply @-mentioning public Instagram accounts they wanted to use as a visual reference.
However, the tool immediately drew criticism because Instagram users whose photos were referenced were not notified or asked for permission.
Responding to the backlash, Meta announced on Friday that it was removing the feature.
"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," the company said in a blog post. "We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available."
The decision was first reported by Puck News founding partner Dylan Byers.
The now-removed feature had sparked concerns among users, privacy advocates and talent agencies, including Creative Artists Agency (CAA), over the possibility that public images could be misused to create manipulated or inappropriate AI-generated content.
The controversy also highlighted broader concerns about the misuse of generative AI on social media platforms, where AI tools have increasingly been used to create deepfakes and non-consensual edited images, particularly targeting women and celebrities.
While Meta has introduced safeguards for its AI products, critics argued the Instagram feature left significant room for abuse and failed to adequately protect users whose public photos could be repurposed without their knowledge.
Meta has not provided further details about whether similar features may return with additional privacy protections.
