Meta Unveils ‘Muse Image’ AI Tool, Sparks Privacy Concerns Over Image Generation

Tech giant Meta Platforms has introduced a new artificial intelligence-powered image generation tool called **Muse Image**, allowing users to create and edit images on WhatsApp and Instagram using text prompts. However, the feature has quickly drawn criticism over privacy concerns.

According to Meta, Muse Image enables users to generate custom images from written prompts, edit existing photos, create cartoon-style artwork, and design invitations, greeting cards, and other visual content. The company says the tool understands user prompts and produces detailed, AI-generated images.

Privacy concerns have emerged after Meta confirmed that the system can use information from public Instagram accounts. If an Instagram profile is public, other users may be able to generate AI images resembling that person by referencing their account, without requiring prior permission.

The feature has sparked criticism on social media, with users arguing that creating AI-generated images of real people without their consent poses a significant threat to personal privacy.

Meta said users will receive a notification if their public profile is used in this way. The company also stated that users who do not want their likeness to be used can disable the feature in their account settings or make their Instagram profile private. However, AI-generated images created before those changes are made will not be automatically removed.

Muse Image also includes preset artistic styles, customizable prompts, and new AI-powered effects for Instagram Stories, allowing users to modify colors, styles, and visual appearances.

Alexandr Wang said the system is designed to understand user instructions, gather relevant information, and generate images through advanced AI planning. The tool can create cartoon illustrations, wedding cards, invitations, and other creative visuals.

Meta said the service is currently free to use, although users who generate a large number of images may experience waiting times or be encouraged to subscribe to a paid plan. The company also plans to expand the feature to Facebook and Messenger later this year.

Meta has previously faced scrutiny and regulatory action over its handling of user data and privacy practices, making the launch of the new AI feature a subject of renewed public debate.