Meta Pulls AI Tool That Let Users Create Images of Any Public Instagram Account

Meta has quietly shut down a controversial feature in its Muse AI image generator that allowed anyone to create deepfake-style images of public Instagram accounts without permission. The tool, which launched earlier this week, let users tag any public profile with an @-mention and instantly generate AI images based on that account’s posts.

The company acknowledged the backlash in a statement, saying the feature “missed the mark.” Meta originally pitched it as a way to design event invitations or brainstorm creative projects. But critics pointed out that users had to manually opt out by diving into their settings and toggling off a permission option, unless they made their profile private. The default was to allow the AI to use your content.

The criticism wasn’t limited to everyday users. Hollywood agency CAA, which represents stars like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, raised concerns directly with Meta. SAG-AFTRA also urged members to opt out. “No one’s name, image, likeness, voice or creative work should be used by any third party, including AI models, without clear, documented consent,” the agency said in a statement. The feature is now gone, but the episode underscores the tension between AI innovation and personal privacy.