MENLO PARK (Web Desk) – Meta has rolled out its new Muse Image artificial intelligence generator across Instagram, Meta AI and WhatsApp, expanding its suite of AI-powered creative tools while drawing criticism over privacy settings that automatically allow public content to be used for AI-generated images.
The latest update enables users to create AI-generated images through text prompts and introduces a redesigned editing interface that offers greater flexibility for customizing visuals before sharing them. Meta says the feature is intended to make content creation faster and more accessible for users across its social media platforms.
As part of the update, Instagram users can now access 30 new visual effects for Stories. The collection includes creative filters inspired by disposable cameras, vintage photography and artistic styles designed to give users more options when editing their content. The upgraded image editor also allows previews before effects are applied, helping users fine-tune their creations.
While Meta has promoted the update as a major step forward in AI-assisted creativity, privacy advocates and users have expressed concern over how the feature handles publicly shared content.
Under the current rollout, public Instagram accounts are automatically enrolled in a setting that allows Muse Image to generate AI images using publicly available photos. This means anyone can reference a public Instagram profile in a prompt to create AI-generated images resembling that individual through Meta AI.
The default activation of the feature has triggered criticism from users who argue that they were not given the opportunity to provide explicit consent before their public images became eligible for AI-generated content.
Privacy experts say the growing use of generative AI raises important questions about digital identity, image ownership and personal consent. They argue that while public posts are visible online, using them to generate artificial intelligence content represents a separate use that many users may not expect.
Meta has maintained that users retain control over their settings and can disable content reuse through Instagram’s privacy options. Users wishing to opt out can access their profile settings, navigate to the “Sharing and reuse” section and switch off the option allowing others to create and reuse their public posts and reels.
However, Meta also notes that turning off the feature only affects future AI-generated creations. Images already generated using public content will not automatically disappear, and users are not notified whenever someone creates AI-generated content based on their public profile.
The absence of notifications has become another source of criticism. Digital rights advocates argue that users should be informed whenever their likeness is used in AI-generated material, particularly as such technology becomes increasingly realistic.
The debate reflects broader concerns surrounding generative AI across the technology industry. Companies developing AI-powered tools continue to balance innovation with user privacy, transparency and consent as regulators around the world examine how personal data is collected and used to train or operate artificial intelligence systems.
Meta has invested heavily in AI development over the past two years, integrating generative AI into Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. The company believes AI-powered creative tools will become a central feature of its platforms, helping users generate images, edit photos and create personalized content more efficiently.
Industry analysts say AI-generated content is expected to play an increasingly important role in social media, marketing and digital communication. At the same time, concerns about misinformation, deepfakes and unauthorized use of personal images continue to drive calls for stronger safeguards.
Social media users have reacted with mixed opinions. Many welcomed the new editing features and creative possibilities, while others questioned why public accounts were automatically included instead of requiring users to actively opt in.
Consumer groups have urged technology companies to make privacy settings clearer and provide greater transparency about how AI systems use publicly available content. They also recommend giving users simple options to review, control and remove AI-generated material based on their likeness whenever possible.
Meta has not indicated whether it plans to revise the default settings following the criticism. The company says it will continue improving its AI products while providing users with tools to manage how their public content is shared and reused across its services.
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