Don’t Want People Using Your Instagram Pics in Their AI Images? Then You Need to Do This
Nothing Is Safe From AI Anymore, Not Even Your Instagram Posts
Despite the continued backlash against artificial intelligence, Silicon Valley and some others are still gung ho about shoving AI into anything they can get their hands on. The latest example is Meta’s rollout of Muse Image.
Meta created the Meta Superintelligence Labs in 2025, designed to house the former Meta AI and other divisions (and promptly lost several newly-brought in AI researchers in the process). From there, Meta launched its debut AI image model in July 2026. Called Muse Image, Meta designed the model to compete with other AI image generators, such as OpenAI’s GPT Images 2.0.
However, the rollout came with an issue — at least for Instagram users. Now anyone can use images from anyone else’s account to create AI-generated content.
What Does This Mean for Instagram Users?
As Muse Image is woven into the Instagram app, all public profiles will automatically be opted in. That means anyone on Instagram can use pictures from any public profile on the app for the purpose of creating AI images. In a blog announcing the new AI integration, Meta phrased this way of taking photos from users as a way for you to personalize your AI image generation.
The announcement explained, “Whether you want to design a custom event invitation, mock up a collaborative creative concept, or generate a personalized graphic, tagging a username lets Meta AI use public photos to build a visual that’s ready to post.”
Keep in mind that if someone takes a user’s photos for an AI remix, Instagram won’t notify the original user. Considering how some people tend to use AI-generated content, that could mean false images of individuals out there in compromising situations, which has the potential to lead to harm for the user whose image was stolen.
How Can I Avoid Having My Instagram Posts Used by Muse Image?
The good news here is that Instagram users can opt out of having their likeness used by others for AI-created images.
Muse Image still seems to be rolling out in some places, so everyone may not have the option to opt out just yet. When it does hit accounts, the opt-out process is, thankfully, simple.
Users should go to their Instagram profiles, then hit the three lines situated in the top-right corner. (Or if they’re on a computer, on the left-hand side of the screen, go to More, then Settings.) Once the settings have come up, users should keep scrolling until they find a setting that reads Sharing and Reuse.
That tab is where users will find what they need. If the update has already affected the account, this section should read: “Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta.” It will have a toggle for both Reels and Posts. Turn both off, and the account should be safe.
It’s an absolute pain to have to opt out of every new AI annoyance tech companies have dreamed up, but taking a few minutes to do this will be worth it to retain one’s privacy and avoid possible future issues.
(feature image: Pexels/ready made)
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