Meta AI can use your Instagram Photos; Here's how to turn it off
Meta's new AI image tool can use content from public Instagram accounts to generate AI images. Here's how you can turn the feature off and limit future use of your posts and photos.
Published By: Divya | Published: Jul 09, 2026, 06:20 PM (IST) | Edited: Jul 09, 2026, 07:09 PM (IST)
Meta has introduced a new AI image feature, and instead of being excited about it, many are actually complaining about it. The latest rollout of Muse Image, Meta now lets everyone generate AI images by referencing public Instagram accounts. Which means, Instagram will let anyone use your Instagram username in a prompt (if your account is public) and Meta AI may generate images based on your photos on your profile.
Meta says Muse Image is designed to make AI image generation more personalised. Instead of describing a person in words, users can simply mention a public Instagram account while creating AI images.
The feature uses public posts, profile photos and reels as references. What's even more alarming is that Instagram won't even notify if someone will use your public profile for the AI generation.
Still, the feature is not available to all at the moment as it is rolling out gradually. However, if your account is public, taking precautions and a simple change in your settings is a good idea.
How to avoid Meta AI using your Instagram photos
If your account is public and you don't want Meta to use your content - images, reels and videos for the AI generation, then just follow these steps:
- First of all, open the Instagram app.
- Go to your Profile.
- Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
- Open Sharing and reuse.
- Under Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta, turn off the toggles for Posts and Reels.
The names of these settings may vary slightly depending on your app version, and the feature is still rolling out in some regions. But note that turning off the AI reuse setting limits future image generation, but it doesn't stop people from viewing your public posts.
Beyond the Instagram feature
If we dig deep, then the feature can actually prove to be a risk to privacy. This is because such AI tools could make it easier to create fake images or even impersonate someone publicly available. That means more chances of being scammed.
Meta, on the other hand, says the feature is designed to give users more creative options and that privacy remains an important part of its AI products. If your Instagram account is public, it's worth spending a minute checking these settings.
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