Meta has discontinued its Muse Image AI feature, launched earlier this week, after widespread backlash over privacy concerns. The feature, which allowed users to generate images using public Instagram accounts, drew criticism from users and the Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA.
Meta's Statement on the Discontinuation
In a statement, Meta said: “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 Muse Image Feature
Meta, owner of Facebook and Instagram, launched Muse Image on Tuesday as its first image-generation model from Meta Superintelligence Labs. Integrated into its Meta AI chatbot, the feature could use photos as input and allowed users to edit generated images directly through sketches. However, it quickly faced backlash for being an automatic opt-in for users.
Criticism from SAG-AFTRA and Hannah Einbinder
Emmy-winning actor Hannah Einbinder, known for Hacks, criticized the feature on Instagram, noting it had been turned on automatically and urging users to turn it off. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors and media professionals, also urged members and other Instagram users on Thursday to opt out. “Anything other than a clear and conspicuous opt-in for these types of uses of Instagram users’ images is unacceptable, and an utter miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the obvious dangers and harms inherent in such use,” SAG-AFTRA said.
Union Welcomes Meta's Decision
Following Meta's decision to remove the feature, a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson welcomed the move: “With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behaviour is unwise. We appreciate its discontinuance. It is the responsible thing to do.”
Growing Pressure on Tech Companies
The reversal reflects increasing pressure on technology companies to give users clear control over how their publicly shared content is used by AI features. Meta's quick response highlights the sensitivity around AI-generated content and privacy in the current digital landscape.
