Social media influencers on Instagram have been known for using various filters and techniques to enhance their photos. Therefore, it was not surprising when Meta, the parent company of Instagram, introduced new generative AI effects to elevate content quality.
However, following backlash, Meta has decided to backtrack on a significant feature of the new tool.
Shortly after its launch, Meta disabled a feature that allowed AI users to tag an Instagram account and generate images featuring content from that account.
To prevent others from generating photos using their content, Instagram users would need to manually opt out, assuming they were even aware of the feature.
In response to the criticism, a Meta spokesperson stated in an email to CBC News that the feature has been removed due to feedback indicating it missed the mark.
The initial launch of Muse Image by Meta took place on Tuesday, offering more than 30 new effects for Instagram stories and WhatsApp. The effects will later be extended to Facebook and Messenger.
According to Instagram’s blog post, the effects aim to enhance photos with a single tap, marking it as the “first AI image generation model from Meta Superintelligence Lab.” Additionally, Muse Video is currently in development.
Despite the innovation, Muse Image faced criticism. Presently, the feature is only accessible for Instagram Stories and WhatsApp in the U.S., while Canadians can explore new features directly on the Meta AI website.
It was revealed in the initial announcement that Meta AI permissions are automatically enabled for users with public accounts in countries like Canada and must be manually disabled.
Meta had not confirmed whether the controversial Instagram tagging feature would return in the future by the time of the last update. Upon its announcement, users and privacy experts promptly raised concerns and provided guidance on opting out.
Katrina German, the founder and CEO of Ethical Digital, expressed that people are uncomfortable with their images being utilized without permission. She emphasized the potential for misuse by some users despite others using it for enjoyment.
For more information on Muse Image and altering Instagram settings, continue reading below.
How to Disable Muse Image:
If you’re here to learn how to disable Muse Image, Meta had not yet provided information on automatically opting users into future AI features at the time of the last update.
Permissions for Muse Image and Meta AI to utilize photos for image generation are automatically activated, even if you are not actively using the tool.
This setting is distinct from deactivating Meta AI’s search assistant and chatbot on Instagram.
To disable it, you must access your mobile device settings, navigate to “Settings and activity,” and locate the “Sharing and reuse” section.
Within this section, you can manage Meta AI permissions, including denial of content reuse on Instagram and with AI features at Meta.