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Meta's new AI image generator may use your Instagram photos. Here's how to opt out
By Scott Budman at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
· July 9, 2026
· 2 min read
Meta has unveiled a new tool that allows people to take publicly posted Instagram photos and use them to generate artificial intelligence content.
The new product, Muse Image, was rolled out Tuesday and allows other users to pull “part or all of your published photos” to create new A.I. images...
Key takeaway Taylor Lorenz, a journalist and author who covers technology, said it’s concerning because it allows users to create a photo or video using another person’s likeness without their consent and without any sort of notification.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
For Angelenos who call Los Angeles home, the rollout of Meta's Muse Image tool raises significant concerns about digital privacy and consent. As a hub for the entertainment and tech industries, Los Angeles is likely to have a high concentration of Instagram users who may be affected by this new feature. The fact that users are automatically opted in unless they take steps to opt out may put many residents' photos at risk of being used to generate AI content without their knowledge or consent. This issue may be particularly relevant for the city's many artists, models, and influencers who rely on their online presence for their livelihood. As the city's residents navigate this new development, they will need to be proactive in protecting their digital rights and understanding the implications of Meta's new tool.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Meta has unveiled a new tool that allows people to take publicly posted Instagram photos and use them to generate artificial intelligence content.
The new product, Muse Image, was rolled out Tuesday and allows other users to pull “part or all of your published photos” to create new A.I. images...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Scott Budman at NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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