Instagram users have been enhancing their photos with various filters and techniques for a while now, so it wasn’t unexpected when Meta, the parent company, introduced new generative AI effects to elevate content quality.
However, Meta faced criticism and decided to retract a significant feature of the new tool.
Shortly after its launch, Meta disabled a feature that allowed AI users to tag an Instagram account and generate images incorporating content from that account.
To prevent others from generating photos using their content, Instagram users would need to opt out manually, provided they were even aware of the feature.
In response to the feedback received, a Meta spokesperson mentioned in an email to CBC News on Friday evening that the feature has been removed as it did not meet expectations.
The Muse Image was initially introduced by Meta on Tuesday, offering over 30 new effects for Instagram stories and WhatsApp, with plans for availability on Facebook and Messenger in the future.
A post on Instagram’s blog described the effects as instantly transforming photos with a single tap, highlighting that it’s the first AI image generation model from Meta Superintelligence Lab and teasing the upcoming Muse Video.
While Muse Image is currently restricted to U.S. users on Instagram Stories and WhatsApp, Canadians can access some new features on the Meta AI website directly.
However, it was revealed in the initial announcement that Meta AI permissions are automatically enabled for users with public accounts in other countries, including Canada, requiring manual deactivation.
At the time of the last update, Meta had not confirmed if the controversial Instagram tagging feature would be reintroduced in the future. Concerns were raised by users and privacy experts immediately after the feature’s announcement, prompting guides on opting out.
Katrina German, founder and CEO of Ethical Digital, expressed that people are uncomfortable with their images being used without permission and raised concerns about potential misuse of the feature.
For more information on Muse Image and adjusting Instagram settings, continue reading.
How can I deactivate it?
Let’s get to the point you are here for. Meta had not disclosed whether users would be automatically enrolled in future AI features at the last update.
Muse Image and Meta AI permissions for utilizing photos to generate images are automatically enabled, even if you are not utilizing the tool.
Note that turning off Meta AI’s search assistant and chatbot in Instagram is a separate process.
For now, deactivation can only be done on mobile devices. Navigate to “Settings and activity” and scroll to the “Sharing and reuse” section.
There, you can adjust the Meta AI permissions.