Meta has suddenly removed a new feature that allowed users to create fake images from user content on Instagram using the company’s artificial intelligence (AI) tools.
The feature was part of Instagram’s parent company’s broader rollout of Muse Image, a new AI image generation tool. It was released on Tuesday.
Allowed user for Meta AI chatbot Tag public accounts on Instagram and use their content to create AI-generated or modified content and images.
The feature quickly sparked a backlash over privacy concerns, with Meta admitting the feature “missed the mark.” ”No longer available. ”
Muse Image was the company’s first foray into AI image generation, but it faced backlash because Instagram users were opting in by default.
This meant anyone with a public account could have their likeness used without their knowledge or permission.
Hollywood union Sag Aftra described the U-turn as a “victory.” The company previously called on its members and “all Instagram users” to take action to protect their likenesses, saying there was a “complete miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the clear danger and harm inherent in such use.”
London-based human rights charity Privacy International also criticized the feature, telling the BBC it was “the latest sign that AI companies are seeing people’s images and data as raw material to be misused”.
“Our goal was to provide a useful creative tool and give people control over whether their published content can be viewed in this way,” Meta added of the decision to retire the feature. “We’re listening to the feedback.”
When Meta announced Muse Image, externalThe company said it is limited to Instagram, but more AI features and integrations are planned for WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger.
AI video tools are also under development.
Mehta declined further comment.
