Meta has pulled its new Muse Image feature after a backlash over privacy concerns.
The AI tool let Instagram users tag public accounts and turn their images into AI‑generated or altered photos. Within hours of launch, users and privacy groups warned that the system could create unconsented content.
Hollywood union SAG‑Aftra called the decision a "win" and urged members to protect their likenesses, highlighting that the opt‑in default had "utter miscalculation" of public sentiment.
Human‑rights charity Privacy International warned that the feature showed how AI companies treat personal data as raw material. "It is the latest sign AI companies see people's images and data as raw material to be exploited," the group said.
Meta announced its withdrawal saying it had "missed the mark," but its statement was vague about future plans.
While Muse Image was limited to Instagram, Meta had announced broad AI features for WhatsApp, Facebook, Messenger, and a video tool in development. The company has not commented further.
