Meta removes AI feature on Instagram after global backlash
Meta has removed a controversial Instagram feature that automatically opted users into allowing their public posts to be used for AI model training. The decision follows widespread backlash from privacy advocates and experts who criticized the lack of meaningful consent.
Why it matters
This reflects the growing tension between tech companies' desire for training data and the public's demand for digital privacy and data ownership.
Meta has backed down on a controversial feature that allowed people's public Instagram posts to be used by anyone for AI generation. <b>By Nik Dirga for </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/science-and-technology/700735/missed-the-mark-meta-removes-ai-feature-on-instagram-after-global-backlash" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a> The Muse Image function announced earlier this week was automatically being turned on for Instagram accounts, with Meta calling it "image generation built for your world". However, after strong negative feedback on the feature and coverage in media such as RNZ, BBC, Wired, New York Times and more, Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg have done an about-face. "We've heard the feedback that this feature missed the mark, so it's no longer available," Meta posted Saturday afternoon NZ time on their announcement page. "Our intent was to provide a useful creative tool and to give people control over whether their public content could be referenced in this way," the company said.
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