Meta's Muse Image AI lets anyone generate images from your Instagram

Meta announced Muse Image on Tuesday, an AI model that allows anyone to generate images using content from public Instagram profiles. The feature has triggered immediate privacy backlash from talent agencies and users concerned about control over their digital likenesses.

The model automatically enrolls all public Instagram accounts. Any user can tag a public profile in a prompt to generate AI images using that person's likeness. Meta positions the tool as a creative partner "rooted in your world," but the company explicitly states users "will not be notified about content created using AI features at Meta."

Why it matters

The opt-out default represents a significant shift in how social platforms handle user-generated content for AI training. Unlike systems that require explicit consent, Muse Image assumes permission unless users take action to withdraw it. This approach puts the burden on individuals to protect their own image rights rather than requiring Meta to obtain permission first.

Creative Artists Agency, which represents major stars including Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, issued a statement condemning the opt-out structure. According to Variety, CAA called on Meta to "make protection the default on Muse Image, not the exception, and enable individuals to opt-in." The agency emphasized that "artists deserve to decide if and how their likeness and work is used, with consent and the ability to set their own terms."

How to disable Muse Image

Users with public accounts can prevent their content from being used in AI generation through Instagram's settings. To disable the feature account-wide, navigate to your profile and tap the three lines in the top right corner. Under "How others can interact with you," select "Sharing and reuse." Below "Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta," toggle off both "Posts" and "Reels."

For individual posts, go to your profile and locate the specific post you want to protect. Tap the three dots in the bottom right corner, then select "Turn off reuse" and confirm by tapping "Turn off."

One critical limitation: disabling these settings only prevents future AI creations. Any AI-generated content already created using your posts will remain available and is not automatically deleted.

Private Instagram accounts are excluded from Muse Image entirely. Users can make their accounts private by accessing the menu from their profile, finding "Account privacy" under "Who can see your content," and toggling the setting on.

The details were first reported by WKRN News 2, with additional reporting from Nexstar's Addy Bink.