Meta has unveiled its first AI image generator, automatically linking it to your Instagram account. This means that unless you opt out, your photos can be used by anyone online.
On Tuesday, Meta’s Super Intelligence Laboratory introduced Muse Image, designed to compete against OpenAI’s ChatGPT Images 2.0 and Google’s Nano Banana 2.
This new feature seamlessly integrates into Instagram and automatically enrolls all public accounts. As a result, anyone can utilize Muse Image to create images featuring your likeness by tagging your username in an AI prompt.
Interestingly, Meta does not inform your Instagram account about the content created using these AI features. Consequently, users can remix and modify your photos and videos without your awareness.
How to disable the feature
For Instagram users with private accounts who haven’t opted into the new system, it’s possible to change your account from public to private.
If you prefer to keep your account public, you’ll need to disable this feature. First, ensure your Instagram app is updated; otherwise, you won’t see the option to disable it.
To change your settings, open the Instagram app, click on your profile, and then tap the three lines to access the menu in the top-right of the screen.
From there, scroll down to “How others can interact with you” and select “Share & Reuse.”
You can turn off access to your posts by selecting the “Toggle off” option under “Let Instagram and Meta AI features reuse your content.”
Keep in mind that switching to a private account or disabling the feature will only stop new images from being generated. It won’t remove any existing AI images created from your content.
What is Muse Image?
The rollout of the AI-powered bots is set to begin in the United States.
If you don’t opt out of Muse Image, anyone on Instagram may utilize some or all of your photos, Reels, or feed videos to generate AI-created images.
In a blog post, Meta described Muse Image as a helpful tool for activities like designing custom event invitations or collaboratively brainstorming creative concepts.
The bot also claims to be capable of placing pets in famous paintings or crafting custom postcards by blending selfies with vacation photos.
Interestingly, Meta hasn’t responded to inquiries regarding the automatic opt-in for public accounts.
Deepfake controversy
In a different realm, Elon Musk’s chatbot Grok is facing a class-action lawsuit and a privacy investigation from the EU. Its AI image capabilities have raised concerns after they enabled users to create inappropriate images of real women and children on the social media platform X.
Additionally, reports indicate that Apple had privately threatened to remove Grok from the App Store back in January due to this ongoing deepfake controversy.
