Meta has withdrawn its AI image feature from Instagram following growing concerns over data usage and user consent. The decision comes after users, artists and privacy experts raised questions about how the feature handled data and consent.
Meta clarified that its other AI image generation tools will continue to remain available. The company said the feature was introduced to provide users with a creative experience but has been withdrawn for now based on user feedback.
Meta recently introduced an AI-powered image tool on Instagram that was designed to help users create creative content. The feature allowed users to generate new images using text prompts, modify existing photos and create visual content with the assistance of artificial intelligence.
The technology could be used for photo editing, changing backgrounds, enhancing old photographs and creating various digital designs. According to the company, the feature was developed to promote AI-based creativity.
The primary criticism of the feature centred on user consent. Critics claimed that many public Instagram accounts were included in the feature by default. As a result, users who did not want their public posts to be available for AI training or related purposes were required to manually change their settings.
Several users also expressed concerns that they were not receiving clear information about how images or content associated with their profiles could be used within AI systems. Meta stated that private accounts and accounts belonging to minors were excluded from the feature.
In its official statement, Meta said the AI image feature was introduced to provide users with a new creative option. The company said it had decided to withdraw the feature for the time being after considering user feedback. Meta also indicated that it would continue working to make future AI services more transparent and user-focused.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has already adopted a cautious approach toward issues involving artificial intelligence and digital privacy. The ministry has indicated that if complaints are received regarding such features, the matter will be reviewed under Indian laws. In recent years, the Government of India has continued to maintain a strict approach toward issues related to deepfakes, AI-generated fake images and the misuse of digital identity.
Concerns over Meta's AI feature were raised not only by users but also by artists, creative professionals and several organisations working on privacy rights. Many experts said that a person's photograph, voice, face or digital identity should be used to develop AI models only after obtaining that individual's explicit consent. As AI technology continues to expand, debates over data usage, copyright and personal privacy are continuing worldwide.
