If you share photos on Instagram, like vacation shots, family moments, anything at all, there is a new setting worth checking right now.
On July 7, Meta quietly rolled out a feature called Muse Image, along with more than 30 new AI-powered creative tools for Instagram Stories. The feature allows other users to generate brand-new AI images inspired by your public photos and your likeness. Not copies of your pictures, but new images created using yours as a starting point.
Here is the part that surprised a lot of people: if you have a public Instagram account, Meta automatically opted you in.
Is This Actually Legal?
Technically, yes. Meta updated its policies to allow public content to be used with its AI features. Because the setting is built into Instagram’s terms and privacy controls, the company can switch it on automatically for eligible public accounts.
If you previously turned off certain sharing options, some of those settings may have carried over. And teen accounts have stricter privacy protections by default; Meta says it does not allow other people to generate AI images using those accounts. Even so, it is worth reviewing any teen account settings in your family to make sure everything looks right.
How to Turn It Off
The good news is that it only takes about a minute. Here is exactly what to do:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap the three-line menu in the upper-right corner.
- Scroll down and select Sharing and reuse.
- Find Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features on Meta.
- Turn Posts OFF.
- Turn Reels OFF.
One More Setting to Check While You Are There
While you are in that same Sharing and reuse menu, look for a second option called Who can create with your content. This controls whether other users can incorporate your public photos and videos into their own reels, stories, or AI creations.
If it is set to everyone, any Instagram user can use your public content in their own posts. It is worth changing that too.
What About Facebook?
Facebook users are in the same boat. Since Meta owns both platforms, similar AI settings apply there as well.
If you post publicly on Facebook, head to Settings & Privacy and look for sections related to AI features, privacy, and sharing. The exact wording may vary depending on your device and location, but Meta has been rolling these controls out across its apps.
A few minutes in your settings today could save you a big headache later. It is worth the look.