- Meta has removed a controversial AI feature that allowed users to modify photos from public Instagram accounts.
- The feature was rolled out earlier this week and was described as having missed the mark by the company.
- Meta acknowledged the backlash, stating, “We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark”, leading to its removal.
- The decision to remove the feature came amid scrutiny from users and talent agencies, including CAA.
- CAA, representing high-profile clients, expressed that no one’s likeness should be used without consent and urged Meta to adopt a more reasonable approach.
- SAG-AFTRA also criticized the feature, stating that anything other than a clear opt-in is unacceptable.
Meta has suspended its Muse Image AI feature on Instagram following significant backlash over privacy concerns and an automatic opt-in policy for users. The company acknowledged it had “missed the mark” with the feature, which allowed users to modify images from public accounts without explicit consent.2
The feature, launched earlier this week, faced immediate criticism from users and talent agencies, including CAA, which represents high-profile clients like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. CAA stated, “No one’s name, image, likeness, voice, or creative work should be used by any third party, including AI models, without clear, documented consent.” SAG-AFTRA, the union for U.S. performers, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for a clear opt-in process for using individuals' images.
In response to the uproar, Meta removed the feature, stating, “We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available.” The company also eliminated the option for users to allow their content to be reused by AI features, reinforcing the importance of user consent in technology.
The swift decision by Meta reflects a growing awareness of the need for responsible AI practices, as the backlash highlights the delicate balance between innovation and user rights in the digital age. “Artists deserve to decide if and how their likeness and work is used, with consent and the ability to set their own terms,” a CAA spokesperson remarked.
Meta's move to retract the Muse Image feature aims to defuse tensions in the AI landscape, especially as privacy concerns continue to rise among users and industry stakeholders.
“The decision to remove the Muse Image feature followed significant criticism from talent agencies like CAA, which emphasized the need for clear consent regarding the use of individuals' likenesses. SAG-AFTRA also voiced concerns, stating that any use of images should require explicit opt-in from users to protect their rights.”
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