Meta* Drops Controversial AI Feature in Instagram* After User Backlash
Photo: Android Authority
Quick answer
Meta* removed a controversial Instagram* AI feature that generated images based on users' public profiles following mass criticism.
Meta* has decided to remove an Instagram* feature that allowed users to generate images using public profiles as references. The tool was introduced alongside the new Muse Image generation model but quickly sparked criticism from content creators.
Users expressed concerns that their photos and styles could be used to train AI without their consent. While Meta* promised to notify profile owners when their content was used, many found these measures inadequate. For photographers, artists, and bloggers, their visual style is not just a collection of images but a part of their professional brand and income source.
In response to the backlash, Meta* acted swiftly and removed the controversial feature entirely. An updated company blog post stated that the initiative "did not meet expectations." This decision is a rare example in the AI industry, where companies often attempt to refine controversial features rather than abandon them.
This case underscores the importance of considering user feedback when implementing new technologies. Even publicly available content does not always imply consent for its use as training material for artificial intelligence.
* Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other Meta services are owned by Meta Platforms Inc., whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in the Russian Federation.
Common questions
- Why did Meta* remove the AI feature in Instagram*?
- The feature faced backlash from users who believed their public posts should not be used for AI-generated images without explicit consent. Meta* responded to the criticism by discontinuing the feature entirely.
- What safeguards were initially planned?
- Users were supposed to receive notifications if their profiles were used as references for AI-generated images. However, many creators deemed this insufficient, as they wanted upfront control over their work.
- What is Muse Image?
- Muse Image is Meta*'s first proprietary image generation model, introduced alongside the controversial feature. It is designed to create visual content based on text prompts.
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