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On Tuesday, Meta launched<\/a> \u201cMuse Image,\u201d a new AI image generation feature that allows users to create original images, edit existing photos, and even generate custom ads directly within its apps.\u00a0<\/p>\n But one capability has quickly become the center of controversy.\u00a0<\/p>\n Muse Image allows users to generate AI images using photos from public Instagram accounts. As long as a person\u2019s profile is public, another user can tag that account and use their images as part of an AI-generated creation. (Only private accounts and accounts belonging to users under 18 are automatically excluded from the feature.)<\/p>\n One huge concern is consent. Users may have no idea that their public photos can be incorporated into AI-generated images by strangers, and they aren\u2019t even notified when someone reuses their public content. Plus, making it easy to manipulate people\u2019s images opens the door to misuse, harassment, impersonation, and non-consensual image editing.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking to opt out <\/a>of this, here\u2019s how you can do it:<\/p>\n Muse Image arrives at a time when AI tools are being increasingly integrated into social media platforms. As tech companies race to roll out new generative AI features, many experts argue that stronger privacy protections and greater transparency are needed, so users fully understand how their photos and personal data are being used.<\/p>\n Public skepticism around AI is already high. According to a Pew Research Center <\/a>survey, 35% of respondents said they\u2019re more concerned than excited about the growing use of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n Additionally, Meta\u2019s track record on user privacy has also fueled skepticism surrounding its latest AI feature.<\/p>\n In 2019, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) imposed a $5 billion fine<\/a> against Facebook, concluding that the platform had violated a 2012 consent order by misleading users about how much control they had over their personal information. This followed a high-profile scandal where political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica gained access to data from up to 87 million Facebook users through a personality quiz app. Facebook\u2019s platform policies at the time allowed developers to collect information about those users\u2019 friends without their knowledge or explicit consent.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission<\/a>. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em><\/p>\n\n