Meta pulls Muse Image after withdrawing a newly launched feature from its Muse Image AI image generation model following user feedback and privacy concerns. The feature, introduced as part of Meta’s first image generation model from Meta Superintelligence Labs, was removed just days after its debut.

The feature allowed users to generate AI images by @mentioning public Instagram accounts as visual references. According to Meta, the tool was designed to offer a creative way to generate personalized images while giving users control over whether their public content could be referenced.

However, the feature quickly faced criticism because it was enabled by default and did not notify account owners when their public images were used.

Meta Responds to User Feedback

In response to the criticism, Meta confirmed that it had removed the feature.

“We’ve heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it’s no longer available,” the company said in a statement.

Meta added that its intention was to provide a useful creative tool while allowing users to control whether their public content could be referenced in AI-generated images.

The feature was available for only a few days after launching alongside Muse Image, Meta’s first AI image generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs.

Privacy Concerns Trigger Backlash

The feature enabled users to create AI-generated images by combining text prompts with @mentions of public Instagram accounts. Meta AI then used publicly available photos from those accounts as visual references.

However, account owners were not notified when their images were used. They also had no option to prevent their public content from being referenced before the feature launched.

As a result, users, privacy advocates and industry groups raised concerns over consent and the potential misuse of AI-generated images.

SAG-AFTRA, the American labor union representing approximately 160,000 media professionals, urged members and Instagram users to opt out. The organization argued that anything other than a clear and visible opt-in process for using people’s images in AI-generated content was unacceptable.

Following Meta’s decision, the union welcomed the move, calling it “the responsible thing to do.”

Separately, the Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of Hollywood’s largest talent agencies, also raised concerns publicly about the risks of non-consensual AI-generated imagery involving creators and entertainers.

Meta Expands Muse Image Features

Although Meta pulls Muse Image’s @mention capability, the company is continuing to expand the broader Muse Image platform.

Meta has introduced more than 30 AI-powered effects for Instagram Stories in the United States. These effects allow users to transform photos with a single tap using Muse Image.

Several effects were co-created with Instagram creators. In addition, a redesigned editing interface enables users to preview AI-generated edits before sharing them.

New Privacy Controls for Instagram Users

Meanwhile, Meta is rolling out new controls that allow Instagram users to decide whether their public content can be used for AI-generated creations.

Users who do not want their public content referenced can disable the setting through Instagram’s “Sharing and Reuse” menu in the mobile app.

Muse Image Powers Meta AI

Muse Image is Meta’s first image generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. It is integrated into Meta AI and allows users to create and edit images through conversational prompts.

The model also supports removing unwanted objects from images, generating infographics with readable text, and creating AI-generated visuals directly within Meta’s apps.

Furthermore, Meta said Muse Image will power additional creative tools across Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook and Messenger. The company also plans to make the technology available to advertisers through Advantage+ Creative in the coming weeks.

According to Meta, Muse Image is free for everyday use, while higher usage limits are available through the company’s subscription plans.

Meta Expands AI Safety Measures

The latest update comes as Meta continues introducing additional safeguards for its AI tools, particularly for younger users.

Earlier this year, the company expanded parental controls for Meta AI across Instagram, Facebook and Messenger. A new Insights tab allows parents to view the categories of topics their teenagers have discussed with Meta AI during the previous seven days, without providing access to the full conversations.

These updates build on existing Teen Account protections, including restrictions on age-inappropriate AI responses and interventions for sensitive topics.

As Meta pulls Muse Image, the company is continuing to expand its AI capabilities while introducing new privacy controls and safety measures across its platforms to support the responsible use of AI-generated content.

Editor’s Note: This report is based on official company announcements and publicly available information.

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