Meta has disabled a controversial artificial intelligence feature on Instagram just days after its launch. The feature, was introduced as part of Meta’s new AI image-generation model called Muse Image, allowed users to generate AI-created images by referencing content from public Instagram accounts.
The AI-powered feature enabled users to create customised images simply by tagging a public Instagram account in a prompt. Meta AI would then use publicly available profile photos and posts as visual references to generate entirely new AI images. Public account owners were not notified when their images were used, and the feature was enabled by default for eligible public accounts. This automatic enrollment became the centre of public criticism by users, as placing the burden on users to manually disable the feature was unacceptable, particularly when many users were unaware that their public content could be used in AI-generated images.
Additionally, Muse Image was developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs and was introduced as the company’s latest AI image generator. This feature also allowed users to edit AI-generated pictures using sketches and incorporate public Instagram content into creative projects. Meta promoted this feature as a tool for creativity, but the public response focused on privacy and consent concerns.
However, after listening to public feedback, the company admitted the rollout had failed to meet user expectations and decided to discontinue the feature entirely.
Earlier, OpenAI confirmed it will retire ChatGPT Atlas, its standalone AI-powered browser, less than a year after its debut, as the company integrates its key browsing and AI agent capabilities into a redesigned ChatGPT desktop app and a new Chrome extension.
Atlas, which launched for macOS in October 2025 as an AI-first browser built around ChatGPT, will officially reach the end of support on August 9, 2026. OpenAI said users will receive transition details through email and in-app notifications ahead of the retirement.
Read more: OpenAI confirms retiring ChatGPT Atlas
