Meta has implemented a new feature in its Instagram app allowing users to generate images using public profiles and content without consent. SAG-AFTRA is advising its members and Instagram users to opt out of this feature, called Muse Image, to protect their likeness and content. Users with public accounts who do not change their settings may have their images used by AI models without any notification. CAA has also criticized Meta's policy, echoing concerns over the lack of consent for using individuals' likenesses.

Jul 10, 2026 5:00am PT

Meta AI Can Now Use Your Instagram Photos Without Consent. SAG-AFTRA Urges App Users to Opt Out: ‘Take Action to Protect Your Likeness’

By Zack Sharf

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Zack Sharf

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SAG-AFTRA is urging its members and all Instagram users to take action against Meta’s new Muse Image model, which has been woven into the Instagram app and makes public accounts susceptible to AI generations of their content. Per Wired: “All someone has to do is tag your account’s profile in a prompt— if it’s public — and they can use Meta AI to generate an image using your likeness.”

“Meta now lets anyone use your Instagram photos in AI images without your consent,” SAG-AFTRA wrote on social media, adding the organization ” recommends that members (and all Instagram users) opt-OUT of Meta’s new AI image generation tool, Muse Image. Take action to protect your likeness.”

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SAG-AFTRA then shared the following instructions: “If you want to avoid these AI generations of your Instagram posts without switching your account to private, you’ll have to dig into the app’s settings. Open the Instagram app, tap your profile, and then tap the three lines in the top-right corner of the screen. Then, scroll down to the Sharing and reuse tab. Here is where you should see a section labeled Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta, with a toggle for Posts and one for Reels.”

Instagram users with public accounts who do not change their settings will be make it possible for their likeness to be used by Meta’s AI without their consent. The social media platform’s help center says that “people may be able to create content with your Instagram content using AI features at Meta” if you leave your public account on the new default settings.

“You will not be notified about content created using AI features at Meta,” the company’s help page adds (via Wired).

SAG-AFTRA joins CAA in condemning the opt-out policy, with the talent agency on Wednesday saying it raised its concerns directly with Meta. The backlash mirrors the opposition to OpenAI’s short-lived Sora video model, which operated on a similar opt-out policy before it was shut down earlier this year.

“No one’s name, image, likeness, voice or creative work should be used by any third party, including AI models, without clear, documented consent,” CAA said in a statement. “True innovation puts creators first: respecting their rights, protecting their livelihoods, and giving them real control, not handing it over to platforms.”

Meta now lets anyone use your Instagram photos in AI images without your consent. SAG-AFTRA recommends that #SagAftraMembers (and all Instagram users) opt-OUT of Meta’s new AI image generation tool, Muse Image. Take action to protect your likeness. pic.twitter.com/8uKBLx6qRZ

— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) July 10, 2026

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Meta AI Can Now Use Your Instagram Photos Without Consent. SAG-AFTRA Urges App Users to Opt Out: ‘Take Action to Protect Your Likeness’

Meta AI Can Now Use Your Instagram Photos Without Consent. SAG-AFTRA Urges App Users to Opt Out: ‘Take Action to Protect Your Likeness’

Zack Sharf

Latest

Popular on Variety

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