Photo Credit: Meta
Meta has launched a new AI generator, available for free through the Meta AI app, as well as on Instagram Stories and WhatsApp. It’s already a problem.
On Tuesday, Meta announced the launch of its new AI image generator, Muse Image, built by its dedicated AI unit, Meta Superintelligence Labs. The tool is now available for free via the Meta AI app, as well as on Instagram Stories and WhatsApp.
Muse is mostly the same as other AI image generators on the market; it comes with a variety of preset image prompts to help users “spark ideas.” However, as TechCrunch points out, the model is already causing problems.
One feature in particular enables users to manipulate another Instagram user’s images with AI, as long as that user’s profile is public. Simply tag the person, and Muse allows you to take their picture and use it to generate a new AI image.
“Pulling real users into generated photos without explicit consent is a privacy landmine waiting to detonate,” wrote one concerned user on the former Twitter, after The Verge first pointed out how potentially dangerous this is.
Worse still, Meta policy states that “people may be able to create content with your Instagram content using AI features at Meta,” and that users “will not be notified about content created using AI features at Meta.” However, Meta claims that users “have control” over this feature, stating that there are settings to disable this kind of use of one’s pictures—but it’s clearly an “opt-out” situation rather than an “opt-in.”
Muse has other applications, including creating custom ads and experimenting with interior decorating ideas to better integrate with Facebook Marketplace. It also contains the standard prompt-based image editing fare that these sorts of tools pretty much all offer these days.
Meta is launching a slew of Muse-powered AI effects for Instagram Stories, including customizable filters that can be used to modify existing photos. The company also teased Muse Video, an AI video generator, which is “already in development,” but information on that tool is currently scarce.