Meta has withdrawn a controversial feature from its artificial intelligence chatbot after facing widespread criticism over privacy and consent concerns.
The feature, introduced as part of the rollout of Muse Image, allowed users of Meta AI to generate altered or AI-created images using content from public Instagram accounts.
Privacy concerns trigger backlash
The tool was designed to let users create high-quality AI-generated visuals that could be downloaded or shared across Instagram, Stories and chats.
However, criticism mounted after it emerged that users could tag public Instagram accounts and use photographs from those profiles to generate manipulated images. Since public accounts were reportedly included by default, many feared their photos and likenesses could be used without their knowledge or explicit permission.
Privacy advocates and social media users questioned whether the feature provided adequate safeguards and meaningful consent.
Meta admits it ‘missed the mark’
Following the backlash, Meta confirmed that the image-referencing feature had been removed.
The company said its intention was to provide a creative tool while giving users control over whether their public content could be referenced.
“We’ve heard the feedback,” Meta said, acknowledging that it had “missed the mark.”
Rights groups welcome the move
The decision was welcomed by SAG-AFTRA, the Hollywood performers’ union, which described the withdrawal as a victory for creators and users. The union had earlier warned members about the risks of AI-generated content using their likenesses without permission.
Privacy International also criticised the original rollout, arguing that AI companies should not treat people’s images and personal data as material that can be freely exploited.
Meta said Muse Image remains its latest AI image-generation model and that additional AI features are still planned for Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger. The company, however, has not announced whether the withdrawn feature will return in a modified form.