Meta is currently rolling out a new super creepy AI image generation feature called Muse Image. The tool allows people to create, edit, and blend images using natural language prompts inside Meta AI. It is currently rolling out on Instagram and WhatsApp, with Facebook and Messenger happening in phase two. The bad news is that everyone is opted in automatically, and people can generate content using your content without you knowing. The good news is that you can opt out without making your Instagram account private.
Takeaways:
- Is there a way to disable Meta Muse on all Meta apps? Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp?
- How isn't Meta Muse considered blatant content theft?
Table of Contents
What is Meta Muse and Why is it the Worst thing Ever?
Meta Muse is a simple AI image generator, which sounds pretty basic in the grand scheme of things. But while it might sound harmless and fun, Meta Muse uses public Instagram content to generate stuff, so if your Instagram account is public, you are automatically opted in by default. This means that anyone can generate AI images using your public photos simply by mentioning your Instagram account in a prompt.
Meta won't even tell you when someone generates an AI image using your photos. As a result, you may never know if your likeness has been used, how many images have been created, or who created them. I really don't know how a feature like this isn't considered blatant theft and how it doesn't instantly devalue all the content on the entire platform...
How to Opt Out of Meta Muse (Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, Messenger)
If you don't want to set your account to private, you can do the following to opt out of Meta Muse.
- Open Instagram and tap your profile picture.
- Tap the menu icon in the top right corner.
- Go to Settings.
- Select Sharing and Reuse.
- Find the section called Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta.
- Turn off both Posts and Reels.
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Once these settings are disabled, other people will no longer be able to use your posts and reels to generate new AI images through Meta's AI features. If you aren't planning on opting out, you're mad! You are essentially letting people openly steal your work for absolutely no gain of your own. It's a joke!
What this setting Doesn't do!
Turning off these settings only prevents future AI image generation using your Instagram content. It does not remove or delete AI images that may have already been created before you changed the settings. If you want the strongest level of protection from Meta Muse, making your Instagram account private is still the most effective method.
Why people are Super Angry!
Muse Image is designed to make AI image creation simple and accessible. While that can be useful for creative projects, it also raises questions about consent, privacy, theft, copyright, and digital identity. Because public accounts are enrolled automatically, most people won't even know that they are part of the data source. While It's only a guess, I feel like this is a whole new class action lawsuit that Meta is about to deal with.
