Meta Rolls Back AI Feature On Instagram As Users Raise Privacy Concerns

Meta on Friday paused a new artificial intelligence feature on Instagram that allowed users to generate images based on people’s public accounts, citing widespread criticism. The development came after users and Hollywood agencies raised privacy and copyright concerns about the new tool, Muse Image.The feature, which was unveiled by Meta on Tuesday, automatically opted in any Instagram user with a public account. As a result, countless people’s likenesses were used in AI images without their consent. "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 in a statement, adding, "We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s

no longer available."Notably, the release of the feature came amid a string of missteps by AI companies, raising concerns among users as it allows the technology free rein to manipulate a wide range of images.

What Was Muse Image?

Muse Image was the tech firm's first foray into AI image generation, but faced backlash as Instagram users were opted in by default.With the feature, anyone with a public account could have their likeness used without their knowledge or permission.

Meta Had Defended Muse AI

Earlier, when concerns were raised regarding the feature, Meta responded to concerns over its new Muse AI image generation tool, saying it was built with 'strong controls and safety guardrails' from the beginning. The statement was issued after the central government said it will review the new AI tool under the existing legal framework.In a statement shared with Times Now Tech, a Meta spokesperson had said that private Instagram accounts and accounts belonging to users under the age of 18 were automatically excluded from Muse Image.The response came after the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) confirmed that it is examining Meta's latest AI-powered image generation tool.