Technology giant Meta has unveiled a new image generation tool called Muse Image. The feature, which was codenamed Mango during development, is already available to users for free. It is integrated into the Meta AI app and has also been implemented in Instagram Stories and the WhatsApp messenger.
Controversial technology
In addition to standard neural network capabilities—creating comedic images based on text prompts and using ready-made templates—Muse has introduced a feature that has sparked a sharp public reaction. The tool allows users to take photos from any public Instagram account and use them as a basis for generating new images.
The mechanism is simple: the user only needs to select a person in their feed, after which their photo becomes the basis for creating completely new AI content. According to Meta's official rules, the company has the right to use users' public photos to create content, and the account owner will not even be notified of such manipulations.
"Private minefield" and ethical questions
Digital security experts and users themselves have already dubbed the innovation a "private minefield," pointing to a violation of basic consent principles. Meta is trying to reassure its audience by claiming that people retain control over the situation: this function can be manually disabled in the profile settings. However, by default, it remains active for all users.
The aggressive implementation of the tool, where data collection is enabled automatically, reminded analysts of the technology giant's past problems with regulators. In particular, this refers to the record $5 billion fine from the US Federal Trade Commission in 2019 due to the Cambridge Analytica scandal, as well as the forced shutdown of the facial recognition system in 2021 following lawsuits over the illegal collection of biometric data.
Practical utility and commerce
Despite the privacy scandal, Muse Image offers a range of tools with high practical value. The neural network can generate fully functional QR codes based on text descriptions, create personalized advertising layouts, and seamlessly remove random people (photobombers) from the background of photos.
Developers have paid special attention to integration with the Facebook Marketplace platform. An interior visualization function has been added: users can upload a photo of their room or garage and use AI to see how a sofa or wardrobe will look there before buying. Additionally, a package of new effects and customized filters for Instagram Stories has been launched based on Muse.
The future of content generation
Currently, the use of the model is free for "everyday creativity." However, the company warns that if a user exceeds the set generation limit, they will have to subscribe to a paid plan. Meta has also officially confirmed that it is already working on the Muse Video tool, which will allow creating video clips using artificial intelligence.
