Goal has introduced Muse Image, a new image generation model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs. It allows Meta AI users to create images that resemble any public Instagram profile.
According to Wired, users can share these images via chat, Stories, or Instagram. All public Instagram profiles are automatically enrolled in this feature.
Disabling it requires manually turning it off in Instagram settings, as the option is not enabled by default.
How Meta’s Muse Image Uses Public Instagram Profiles
Meta AI users can now request images that display the image of a specific public Instagram profile. The system creates an image based on recent photos from that profile, which can then be shared via Meta AI chat, Instagram Stories, or the Instagram feed.
Users testing this feature have reported that it works with everyday personal profiles, not just public figures. In one example, an image showing two friends having coffee was generated in less than a minute using photos from both users’ public profiles.
Private Instagram profiles are not included in this feature. Any attempt to generate an image that includes someone with a private profile will fail.
Some celebrity profiles are also blocked, likely due to rights considerations. For example, an attempt to create a fight scene with Robert Downey Jr. was rejected by the system.
Google offers a similar feature for image generation, but with two main restrictions. It only works based on the user’s image, and users must go through an approval process before enabling the feature. In contrast,
The Meta system does not have these barriers for personal public profiles. The company reasons that publicly posted content is available for use on its AI platform. As a result, the system allows images to be generated more easily using another person’s image on a larger scale.
Privacy concerns, opt-out steps, and who is affected
Default subscription settings raise privacy concerns:
- Users with public Instagram profiles were not explicitly asked for permission before Meta AI could access their accounts.
- The images generated may represent users in situations that they did not agree to share.
- The default settings also normalize the use of user photos for AI training and image creation without direct consent.
- Users can only discover that they were used in an image if they see it shared publicly or on their Instagram account.
Those concerned about how their image is used should note that even after turning off the setting, images generated before the change could still be in circulation.
For Instagram users with public profiles who want to prevent Meta AI from using their image to generate images, the steps are: Open the Instagram app on iPhone or Android, go to your profile, tap the three-line menu in the top right corner, select Share and Reuse, then look for the section called “Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features in Meta.” From there, turn off Posts and Reels.
Testing has shown that disabling this setting effectively prevents Meta AI from generating images with your profile. Attempts to create such images will be rejected with a message stating that the system does not have the rights.
Users with private profiles are already excluded from this feature and do not need to change any settings. However, private accounts are not completely protected, as photos shared with mutual followers or posted publicly can still be used by others in their own imaging workflows.
What users should consider and where the feature is available
Beyond Instagram’s specific opt-out, users should consider broader measures to control how their image is used online. It may be preferable to switch to a private Instagram profile if controlling content takes priority over maintaining public visibility.
It is also advisable to review the configuration on other Metaplatforms such as Facebook, WhatsAppand Topics for similar AI-related exclusions. Users should stay informed about updates from Meta on how AI functions can access data across the Meta ecosystem.
It’s important to remember that Meta’s terms of service give the company broad rights over publicly posted content. Even users who don’t use Meta’s AI features are affected by the default subscription settings, which refer to whether others can generate images using the profile, not whether the profile owner opts into Meta AI.
The Muse Image model and its integration with Instagram are currently available for Meta AI users, with no announced regional restrictions. The opt-out option can be accessed globally through the Share and Reuse menu on Instagram.
Meta has not indicated whether the default subscription policy will change in response to privacy concerns. Users interested in updates should monitor the official Instagram channels and the Meta newsroom.
Those concerned about the current default can disable the setting immediately to prevent their profile from being used in Meta AI image generation.
