- Meta discontinued its AI image-generation feature after widespread backlash over privacy concerns, stating: "Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool... We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available."
- The feature was launched on July 7 and discontinued within three days. It used photos from public adult Instagram profiles without notifying the account holder.
- Public accounts for users 18 and older were opted in by default, but users could opt out through app settings.
- The feature drew immediate criticism from privacy advocates, talent agencies, actors’ unions, and social media users.
- SAG-AFTRA urged users to opt out and called the launch an ‘utter miscalculation’.
- Meta stated the feature ‘missed the mark’ and is ‘no longer available’ after hearing feedback.
- This was the first product rollback since Muse Image was unveiled, but the broader rollout of the AI model continues.
Meta has scrapped its Muse Image AI feature just days after its launch due to overwhelming criticism regarding privacy issues. The feature, which allowed users to generate images using public Instagram accounts, was discontinued within three days of its introduction on July 7.123451112
The company stated, “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. We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available,” highlighting its responsiveness to user concerns.
The feature automatically opted in users with public accounts aged 18 and older, allowing their images to be used without prior consent. This design drew immediate backlash from privacy advocates, talent agencies, and unions, including SAG-AFTRA, which criticized the lack of a clear opt-in process. “Anything other than a clear and conspicuous opt-in for these types of uses of Instagram users’ images is unacceptable,” the union stated.89
The controversy has raised broader questions about AI tools and user consent, particularly in light of regulations like India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act, which mandates informed consent for data processing. “With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behavior is unwise,” a union spokesperson remarked.
Despite the rollback, Meta confirmed that the rollout of its Muse Image model will continue, indicating a commitment to refining its AI offerings while addressing user feedback.
The swift removal of the feature reflects increasing pressure on tech companies to prioritize user privacy and consent in their AI developments.
“The feature automatically opted in public Instagram users over 18 by default, allowing Meta AI to generate images from their photos without notifying account holders and drawing immediate criticism from privacy advocates. SAG-AFTRA called the launch an 'utter miscalculation' and urged users to opt out, while talent agency CAA welcomed Meta's swift removal of the feature.”
The Indian Express
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