Meta’s Muse AI Sparks Privacy Concerns After Public Instagram Photos Are Opted In Automatically

Meta’s Muse AI Sparks Privacy Concerns After Public Instagram Photos Are Opted In Automatically

July 11, 2026 / Amelia Frost /


Meta’s new Muse AI image tool is drawing sharp criticism after users learned that public Instagram photos are automatically available for AI-generated images. The feature launched on 9 July and works across Meta AI, Instagram and WhatsApp, allow people to create images using prompts that can reference public Instagram accounts. While Meta says the tool is built for creativity, many users and industry groups argue it puts convenience ahead of consent.

The backlash grew quickly after reports showed that adult public Instagram accounts are enrolled by default. Users who do not want their photos used must manually switch off the setting, while private accounts and users under 18 are not included. Critics say the default option leaves many people unaware that their images can be used to create AI content.

Why Meta’s Muse AI Is Facing Privacy Backlash

Many users were surprised to learn that Muse AI can create images based on public Instagram profiles simply by adding a username to a prompt. Instead of uploading a photo, someone can ask the AI to generate a new image inspired by another person’s public posts. That discovery has sparked debate about whether people truly agreed to this use when they made their accounts public.

Privacy experts argue that making an Instagram account public is not the same as giving permission for AI to reuse those images. Many people chose public accounts to share their work, connect with friends or grow a business. They did not expect their photos to become part of an AI image generator years later.

Another concern is that users are not told when someone creates an AI image using their public profile. There is currently no notification system that alerts people each time their likeness is used. Critics say this makes it difficult for users to know how often their photos are being turned into AI-generated content.

Hollywood Groups Push Back Against Meta’s New Feature

The entertainment industry has been one of the loudest critics of the rollout. SAG-AFTRA urged its members to disable the feature as soon as possible, warning that it could make it easier for people to create fake images of actors and performers. The union has repeatedly called for stronger rules around AI and digital likeness rights.

Creative Artists Agency, one of Hollywood’s biggest talent agencies, also criticised the system. The agency said Meta should require users to actively choose to join instead of enrolling everyone with a public account by default. It argued that creators deserve clear control over how their faces and identities are used online.

The criticism comes as AI-generated images continue to improve in quality. Experts have warned that realistic fake images could be used for scams, false endorsements and online impersonation. Many believe stronger consent rules are needed before AI tools become even more common.

What Meta Says About Muse AI and How Users Can Opt Out

Meta has defended Muse AI by saying it was designed to help people make creative images more easily. The company says only public accounts belonging to adults are included in the feature. It also says private accounts and users under 18 are automatically left out.

Even so, the company has confirmed that users must change their settings if they do not want future AI images created from their public profile. Privacy experts say many people may never realise the setting is turned on because it is enabled by default. They believe an opt-in system would have given users a clearer choice.

Another point raising concern is that opting out only affects future AI creations. Images already generated before a user changes the setting may still remain. That has led many critics to question whether users have enough control over how their likeness is used.

Originally published on Fashiontimes UK





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Amelia Frost

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