Meta pulls new AI image feature after backlash

What This is

• Meta launched Muse Image inside its Meta AI chatbot on Instagram, letting people generate or edit images using AI.
• A key option let users @-mention a public Instagram account so the AI could reference that account’s public photos to create or change images.
• Critics said the feature could produce images of real people without clear consent, raising concerns about misuse of someone’s likeness.
• The feature was enabled by default for many public accounts, so people had to opt out to stop their public content from being referenced.
• Meta disabled the @-mention-based Muse Image option within days, saying the design and default settings “missed the mark.”
• Groups including SAG-AFTRA and talent agency CAA pushed back and argued for stronger protections and clearer consent for name, image, and likeness.
• Meta said the tool had safeguards and that it would reconsider the product after feedback, while keeping other AI creative tools in place.
• Guides circulated on how to opt out in Instagram settings, but some reports warned that images already created by others would not be deleted.

Why This Matters

• The dispute highlights who gets control when AI tools can remix public photos into new images of real people.
• Default-on settings can shift risk and effort onto users, especially when they are not clearly notified.
• Easy image generation can lower the cost of impersonation, scams, and misleading ads that use someone’s face.
• Pushback from performers and agencies signals growing pressure for clearer rules on name, image, and likeness in AI products.