Meta has removed a controversial feature from its new Muse Image AI model that allowed users to generate images inspired by any public Instagram account simply by mentioning the account's username in a prompt.
The feature, introduced alongside Muse Image earlier this week, automatically made public Instagram profiles available as references unless users manually opted out or switched their accounts to private. The rollout sparked criticism from users concerned about consent and privacy.
In an update, Meta acknowledged the backlash, saying the feature "missed the mark" and has now been removed. The company said its goal was to provide a creative tool while giving people control over how their public content could be used.
Muse Image remains Meta Superintelligence Labs' first image-generation model and continues to support AI-powered image creation in products such as Instagram Stories and WhatsApp chats.
Before reversing course, Meta defended the feature, saying it had been built with "strong controls and safety guardrails from day one."