Meta AI Image Tool Draws From Public Instagram Photos Unless Users Opt Out

Meta's new image-generation model incorporates photos from public Instagram accounts unless users change their settings. The tool, called Muse Image, launched on July 7 and is available through the Meta AI app, web browsers, WhatsApp, and Instagram Stories for users in the United States.

Users can tag a public Instagram account in a text prompt to include photos from that profile. The model supports detailed instructions, multiple reference images, and edits to generated pictures.

Public-account holders can prevent their content from being used by going to Instagram settings, selecting Sharing and reuse, and turning off the option for Posts and Reels. Private accounts are already excluded from the feature. The opt-out applies only to future image generations. Users receive no notification when their photos are incorporated into AI images created by others.

Meta stated that Muse Image uses advanced reasoning to handle complex prompts and blend references. The company described the service as free for everyday use, with additional capacity available through subscription plans. Expansion to Facebook and Messenger is planned, along with a version for advertisers.

A video-generation version of the tool is also in development. Meta previously settled the Cambridge Analytica scandal for $725 million on December 23, 2022. Ofcom is investigating X over Grok's role in creating and sharing non-consensual AI-altered images.