Meta’s Muse AI image generator can use your Instagram photos by default: here’s how to opt out
Meta recently expanded its AI capabilities with the launch of Muse Image, its new image-generation model. Like other generative AI tools, Muse Image can create images from text prompts, reimagine existing photos, and edit images. What sets it apart, however, is its integration with Instagram, where users can generate customised images by simply mentioning an account. The feature has sparked concerns among Instagram users because it is enabled by default, meaning public content can be used for these AI-powered experiences unless users choose to opt out.
This feature is available only in the US, or now. As part of the rollout, public Instagram content can now be reused to create customised AI-generated images unless users manually opt out.
The alarming part here is the ability to @mention Instagram accounts while generating images with Meta AI. When a public account is tagged, Meta AI can reference publicly available photos from that profile to generate customised images featuring that person. Since this setting is turned on by default, anyone can use public posts or reels with Meta AI.
Show Full Article
How to opt out
Users who do not want their public content to be used for these AI features can disable it by heading to Instagram Settings and turning off the option that says “Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta.” This feature should be visible only to Instagram users in the US, as it’s available there for now.
Previously, this setting only governed how other Instagram users could reuse public posts and Reels for features such as Remixes, templates, stickers, or downloading content as part of their own posts and Reels. Meta has now expanded it to include AI-powered experiences, effectively combining content reuse permissions with its generative AI features.
While switching the option off prevents Meta AI from using a user’s public content in these new image-generation tools, it also disables the existing reuse features. For creators and influencers who rely on Remixes and other collaborative formats to increase visibility and reach, opting out could reduce opportunities for their content to spread organically across Instagram.
Meta plans to expand the feature to more countries over time, meaning it could soon reach a much wider audience. How the company balances user awareness and consent while ensuring creators can continue to grow their reach remains to be seen. Until Meta offers greater clarity or introduces more granular controls, opting out may be the safer choice for users who are uncomfortable with their public content being used for AI-generated images.
