New Delhi, July 11: American tech giant Meta has suspended its new AI image generation feature just three days after its launch. This decision comes in response to serious privacy concerns raised globally, prompting backlash from social media users, privacy advocates, and various organizations.
Meta stated that its goal was to provide a useful creative tool, allowing users to control how their public content could be utilized. However, the company acknowledged that feedback from users indicated the feature did not meet expectations, leading to its removal.
The feature was launched on July 7, utilizing Meta’s in-house AI image generation model, Muse Image. It allowed users to generate new images based on the photos from any public Instagram account by simply entering the account’s username.
This feature was applicable only to public Instagram accounts for users aged 18 and older, with all such accounts included by default. However, Meta did provide users with an option to opt out through their settings.
The primary objection was that individuals whose images were used to create AI-generated pictures were not notified. This lack of transparency led to widespread opposition from privacy experts, artists’ organizations, talent agencies, and social media users.
In India, the matter has also caught the government’s attention. Electronics and Information Technology Secretary S. Krishnan stated that the government would investigate any complaints regarding the feature to ensure compliance with Indian laws.
Meanwhile, Meta has also discontinued the end-to-end encrypted (E2EE) direct messaging feature on Instagram. The company advised users to download any important messages, photos, videos, or other media before the feature is removed.
End-to-end encryption is a technology that ensures only the sender and recipient can read the messages. With this feature’s removal, Meta will have access to messages, photos, videos, and voice notes when necessary.
As AI technology expands rapidly, concerns about data security and user privacy have increased. Meta’s decision highlights the need for companies to exercise greater caution regarding user privacy and transparency before implementing new AI features.
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