META PULLS INSTAGRAM AI IMAGE TOOL AMID PRIVACY OUTCRY

Tue 14 July 2026:

Meta has retracted a recently introduced Instagram feature that enabled users to create AI-generated images using content from public Instagram profiles, following extensive backlash over privacy issues.

The feature formed part of the rollout of Muse Image, Meta’s new AI image-generation tool introduced on Tuesday. It enabled users of the Meta AI chatbot to tag public Instagram accounts and use their photos and content to generate or alter images using artificial intelligence.

However, the tool drew immediate backlash after users pointed out that public Instagram accounts had been automatically opted into the feature, allowing their likeness to be used without their knowledge or explicit consent.

__________________________________________________________________________

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22

__________________________________________________________________________

Responding to the criticism, Meta acknowledged that the feature had “missed the mark” and announced its withdrawal.

“Earlier this week, we announced that one way for people to generate images in Meta AI is by @-mentioning public Instagram accounts that they want to reference. 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,” the company said in a statement.

Meta stated that it is continuing the rollout of Muse Image, its first image-generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs, through Meta AI.

The company described Muse Image as a “creative partner” that enables users to turn ideas into high-quality visuals that can be downloaded and shared across Meta platforms.The move to withdraw the feature was welcomed by SAG-AFTRA, the Hollywood actors’ union, which described Meta’s decision as a “win.”

UPDATE: A win is a win. 💪 Following widespread backlash — including SAG-AFTRA’s call for members to opt out — Meta has withdrawn the feature. https://t.co/RpsiDwnXDA https://t.co/KmZ4ISY7hS

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 11, 2026

“With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behavior is unwise. We appreciate its discontinuance. It is the responsible thing to do,” they said.

SAG-AFTRA Statement on Meta Announcing the Removal of Muse Image AI Feature

“With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behavior is unwise. We appreciate its discontinuance. It is the responsible thing to do.” pic.twitter.com/ccTVEUFfTS

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 11, 2026

The union had earlier urged its members and “all Instagram users” to take steps to protect their likenesses, arguing that the company had made an “utter miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the obvious dangers and harms inherent in such use.”

The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) welcomed Meta’s decision, saying the company had removed the feature after criticism over privacy and consent.

#Update: Meta has now removed the feature we spoke about in our last post. After criticism over privacy and consent, the corp. pulled the tool that let people generate AI images using content from public Instagram accounts.
A reminder that public pressure matters. Privacy should… https://t.co/oYN2eXHgTi

— Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) (@internetfreedom) July 11, 2026

“A reminder that public pressure matters. Privacy should not be an afterthought,” the digital rights organisation said in a post on X.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

__________________________________________________________________________

FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:

WhatsApp CHANNEL
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaAtNxX8fewmiFmN7N22