Meta has removed a new Instagram AI feature just days after introducing it, following criticism that it could be used to create fake images of people without their permission, according to a report by Reuters.
The tool allows users to generate AI images by tagging public Instagram accounts as references. While Meta said the feature was designed to help people create images more easily, privacy advocates and creators warned that it could be abused to make deepfakes, impersonate individuals, or misuse someone’s likeness.
After the criticism, Meta pulled the feature, just after its launch on Tuesday.
The change affects only this specific Instagram feature. Meta has not stopped developing its AI tools, which include AI-powered image generation, writing assistance, and chat features available across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.
The incident is another of the many challenges that technology companies face as they add generative AI to popular apps. While these tools can make it easier to create images, videos, and other content, they also raise concerns about privacy, consent, and the spread of misleading or fake content.
For users, this shows that even major tech companies may need to rethink new AI features when public concerns outweigh the benefits.
