Meta just launched "Muse Image", a new generative AI model built by Meta Superintelligence Labs, with a troubling default setting: adult public Instagram profiles are automatically opted in to have their photos used in AI-generated images.
Anyone can tag your username with an @-mention in a prompt, and Meta AI will remix your public photos into whatever image they're creating. You won't be notified when this happens. The generated images won't be deleted even if you change your settings later.
While Meta has blocked the tool from automatically targeting users under 18 or those with private profiles, every adult with a public account has been drafted by default. Here's how to protect your account.
Why this is problematic
Meta's approach flips the standard permission model on its head. Instead of asking permission to use your content for AI training and generation, it's made it opt-out by default. Your content is being used unless you actively say no, meaning s anyone scrolling Instagram can turn your photos into whatever image they imagine without your knowledge or consent.
The lack of notification is particularly concerning. You have no way of knowing your content has been used, no opportunity to object before generation happens, and no recourse if you don't like how your likeness appears in AI images. So it's worth taking minutes to disable this, and I wouldn't wait to do so.
How to disable AI generation on your account
Open the Instagram app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right. Then tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to open the menu, now labeled Settings and activity on updated devices.
Scroll down and find "Sharing and reuse." In this section, you'll see "Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta."
Depending on your app version, you'll see separate toggles here — for your posts, Reels, and original audio. Turn all of them off. This prevents Meta AI from using your Instagram content when people tag your username in image generation prompts.
Once disabled, people can no longer generate AI images or reuse your audio clips to build new AI content.
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