Meta disables Instagram reference feature in Muse Image

Meta has shut off a feature in Muse Image after criticism that it made public Instagram photos available as references for AI-generated images. The image-generation model, launched through Meta AI, creates visuals from user prompts and had automatically allowed photos from public Instagram accounts to be used in that process.

Meta said the feature was intended to support creative use while giving people control over whether their public content could be referenced. The company said feedback showed the feature “missed the mark” and that it is no longer available.

The rollout prompted social media posts warning users about privacy risks and explaining how to opt out. SAG-AFTRA also urged members to change Instagram settings to protect their likeness, then praised Meta’s decision to discontinue the feature, saying tools that encourage nonconsensual digital replicas are unwise.