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Wed, 08 Jul 2026

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 Outcry as Meta lets users make AI images from public Instagram profile pics

The tech giant said people can opt out - but privacy campaigners called it a "recipe for disaster".
Meta's new AI tool, Muse Image, allows users to generate pictures using other people's profile pictures without their consent. The tool uses advanced reasoning and blending techniques to create high-quality images from simple written prompts. The feature has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it is an "obvious recipe for disaster" and a "privacy landmine waiting to detonate". Regulators and campaigners have raised concerns about AI-generated images, with Ofcom investigating X over its role in creating and sharing non-consensual AI-altered images of real people. Meta says users can opt out even if they have a public account by going to Instagram's settings menu and switching off "Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta". However, critics argue that this is not enough to prevent the misuse of user images. Muse Image is available through the Meta AI app and web browser, as well as on WhatsApp and in Instagram Stories for US users. The company also plans to expand the tool to Facebook, Messenger, and another platform where it can be used by advertisers. The use of AI-generated images has raised concerns about privacy and consent, with some arguing that it is an invasion of users' rights. Meta's decision to introduce this feature has been met with criticism from regulators and campaigners, who argue that it will lead to further misuse of user images.