On Friday, Meta announced that it would be discontinuing an AI feature that enabled users to create images by referencing public Instagram accounts. This decision followed a wave of criticism regarding the feature’s opt-out policy, which had garnered particular concern from talent agencies.
A spokesperson for Meta explained, “Earlier this week, we introduced an option for generating images in the Meta AI platform by @-mentioning public Instagram accounts. Our goal was to offer a creative tool while allowing users to control how their displayed content could be referenced. However, we've received feedback indicating that this feature didn’t quite meet expectations, so we will be removing it.”
The company had unveiled the Muse Image model just days earlier, designed to let users personalize images by tagging any public Instagram account, aiming to enhance the social experiences enjoyed by millions.
Upon rollout, the feature faced immediate criticism due to its opt-out policy, which mandated that users over the age of 18 with public accounts would need to disable the function to prevent their images from being used in the AI generator. The Creative Artists Agency (CAA), representing high-profile figures like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, voiced its concerns directly to Meta, advocating for a more reasonable policy.
CAA stated, “No one’s name, image, likeness, voice, or creative work should be utilized by any third party, including AI models, without explicit, documented consent. Authentic innovation prioritizes creators: it respects their rights, safeguards their livelihoods, and grants them actual control instead of surrendering it to platforms.”
Following the announcement of the feature's removal, CAA praised Meta for its prompt decision, asserting, “Elevating individual rights and consent is crucial for the development of responsible technology. We anticipate continued discussions to ensure creator protection as technology advances.”
The union SAG-AFTRA, representing U.S. performers, also encouraged its members on Thursday to opt out of the feature, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding their likenesses.
Meta's decision to eliminate the Muse Image function helps ease some tension within the rapidly advancing AI landscape, although new challenges are on the horizon. Just hours prior, Apple filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in federal court, accusing the creator of ChatGPT of stealing trade secrets, a claim that OpenAI has denied.
