Meta Removes Instagram AI Image Generation Feature After Public Backlash

Meta launched a new AI image generation tool on Instagram on Tuesday, allowing users to create images based on publicly available photos from other users' profiles. The feature, powered by Meta's Spark model, automatically accessed all public Instagram feeds unless users manually changed their privacy settings to block the tool. This sparked widespread outrage among users who objected to their photos being used without consent for AI-generated content. Professional organizations also criticized the move; the Creative Artists Agency (CAA) called the launch "irresponsible," emphasizing that artists should control how their likeness and work are used. The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) described Meta's decision as a "complete miscalculation" of public sentiment regarding AI. Facing mounting pressure, Meta announced on Friday it would remove the feature. The company admitted, "We missed the mark with this feature," and stated the tool is no longer available, acknowledging users' feedback and concerns about control over public content.