Meta has discontinued its Muse AI feature on Instagram following widespread criticism over privacy issues. The feature, which allowed users to tag public Instagram accounts and create AI-generated or altered images using their content, was removed this week after concerns about non-consensual use of images surfaced, according to medianama.com.
Muse AI enabled users to generate AI images by tagging public profiles without notifying the account owners, raising questions about consent and misuse. Meta acknowledged it 'missed the mark' with the feature. The company had restricted tagging of users under 18 and barred minors from tagging others, but concerns remained about children appearing in photos posted by adults with public accounts, potentially exposing them to unauthorized AI image generation.
The removal of Muse AI highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of AI-generated content on social media platforms. India’s Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) previously issued a notice to X over sexualized AI-generated images and emphasized that platforms cannot evade responsibility by citing safe harbour protections. Meta’s Muse AI controversy underscores the challenges platforms face in balancing AI innovation with user privacy and consent.
Meta’s decision to pull Muse AI came after public backlash and privacy concerns became prominent. Secretary S. Krishnan of MeitY stressed that platforms must uphold their duties under Section 79 safe harbour rules. The episode adds to growing debates on AI governance and content moderation policies for social media companies.