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Meta Removes Instagram AI Feature After Privacy Backlash

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Meta has removed a new AI feature from Instagram that allowed users to freely create or modify images using others' photos after facing widespread criticism.
  • The feature, part of Meta's Muse Image generator, faced backlash for privacy concerns and potential misuse, as it did not notify users when their photos were used as references.
  • Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA called the removal a "victory," while Meta stated the feature did not meet expectations and is no longer available.

Meta has pulled a new artificial intelligence feature from Instagram that allowed users to freely create or modify images using others' photos. The decision came just days after the feature's launch due to a wave of criticism regarding privacy and potential misuse.

But we've heard the feedback that this feature did not meet expectations, and it is no longer available.

— MetaMeta's explanation for removing the AI image modification feature from Instagram.

The feature was part of Muse Image, an AI image generator developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. Through the Meta AI chatbot, users could mention public Instagram accounts as references to generate new images or modify existing ones. However, the feature did not notify account owners when their photos were used as references, and users with public accounts were automatically opted-in, allowing their likenesses to be used without consent.

The rollout of this feature sparked immediate criticism from users, privacy advocates, and the entertainment industry. Some media outlets even published guides for users wanting to disable the feature. In a blog post on Friday, Meta announced the feature's removal, stating that while their intention was to provide a useful creative tool, they "heard the feedback that this feature did not meet expectations, and it is no longer available."

a profound miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the dangers and negative impacts inherent in this type of usage.

— SAG-AFTRAHollywood union SAG-AFTRA's statement on Meta's AI feature.

Hollywood union SAG-AFTRA welcomed Meta's decision as a "victory." The organization had previously urged its members and all Instagram users to take steps to protect their likenesses. SAG-AFTRA stated there was a "profound miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the dangers and negative impacts inherent in this type of usage." Privacy International, a London-based human rights organization, called the feature "the latest sign that AI companies view people's images and data as raw material to be exploited."

the latest sign that AI companies view people's images and data as raw material to be exploited.

— Privacy InternationalPrivacy International's criticism of Meta's AI feature.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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