The latest feature from Meta has left many Instagram users concerned about their online security. Muse Image, a new AI tool, can create pictures using other people's Instagram photos without their knowledge or consent.
The AI feature, available on the Meta AI app, web browser, WhatsApp, and Instagram, can generate images from a few lines of written text instructions. However, users have taken to social media to express their frustration and concern after discovering the feature had been turned on by default without their knowledge.
Instagram users can prevent their image from being used by switching their account to private. However, for those who want to keep their profile public, there are more complex steps to take to disable the feature.
Users can find the setting by tapping on their profile, then the three lines in the top right corner of the screen, and scrolling down to the “Sharing and reuse” tab. From there, they can turn off “Posts and reels to stories” and “Reposts on posts and reels” under the “Allow people to share your posts and reel” section.
Additionally, users must turn off “Posts” and “Reels” under the section entitled “Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta.”
Several experts have expressed their concerns about the new feature, with one calling it an “obvious recipe for disaster.” Donald Campbell, advocacy director at tech justice non-profit Foxglove, stated that the feature was hard to see as a good idea, given the catalogue of harms from non-consensual AI-altered images on social platforms.
Technology privacy organization Privacy International also took issue with the new feature, describing it as the latest sign that AI companies see people's images and data as raw material to be exploited.
Instagram users have taken to social media to criticize the new feature and warn others about it, with some calling for the feature to be removed entirely.
