Meta Scraps Controversial Instagram AI Image Feature Days After Launch Following Massive Privacy Backlash

Tech giant meta announced that it is completely shutting down a newly launched artificial intelligence feature that allowed users to generate and manipulate images using photos from public Instagram accounts. The decision follows intense public outrage, swift condemnation from Hollywood unions, and severe privacy concerns regarding user consent. The feature, which rolled out on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, was part of “Muse Image” the premier text-to-image model developed by Meta Superintelligence La