Instagram Lets Users Generate AI Images From Your Photos

Instagram launched its Muse AI feature this week, enabling users to generate AI-powered images and videos based on photos of other users. By default, individuals are opted into this feature, meaning their photos can be used by others to create AI-generated content without explicit consent.

The Muse AI tool allows any Instagram user to select a photo from another user's profile and use it as a basis for generating new AI images. This functionality is enabled by default, raising privacy concerns for users who may not wish for their likeness to be utilized in this manner. The platform has not provided specific details on the AI models powering Muse or the exact scope of its image generation capabilities.

To prevent their photos from being used by Muse AI, users must manually adjust their privacy settings. The option to disable this feature is located within the "Privacy" settings menu, under a section related to "AI Content and Effects." Users need to navigate to this setting and toggle it off. Instagram has indicated that this setting is separate from general privacy controls and requires explicit user action to disable.

This new feature follows a trend of social media platforms integrating AI-generated content tools. However, the opt-out default for Muse AI has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and users concerned about the potential misuse of personal images. The company has not yet announced plans to change the default setting or provide more granular controls over how AI tools can utilize user-generated content.