Meta removes feature that let users generate AI images from public Instagram posts

Meta has removed a feature that let users generate AI images from public Instagram posts after user backlash. The tool, which required users to opt out to prevent their content from being used, was pulled based on feedback. Meta's decision highlights ongoing tensions between AI product features and user privacy.

Meta AI joined the image generation space this week https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/07/meta-ai-app-adds-image-generation-also-powering-whatsapp-and-instagram-features/ . However, it did so with a controversial default setting that users found upsetting. Meta’s tool allowed anyone to use public Instagram posts as a starting point for creating AI-generated images. Instagram users needed to proactively turn off permission https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/09/psa-flip-these-two-instagram-toggles-now-to-stop-people-using-your-face/ to avoid having their content easily tagged and used for AI image generation. Meta has removed the feature altogether based on user feedback. Dylan Byers at Puck shared a statement from Meta on the decision to pull the feature. Do more with your Apple products Apple AirTag 2 | Add Find My tracking to keys, bags, bikes, more https://amzn.to/4vjNWN1 AirPods 4 | Apple’s newest wireless headphones https://amzn.to/43ndewV AirPods Pro 3 | Apple’s best wireless headphones https://amzn.to/4ut3FYp Beats USB-A to USB-C Cable | The official CarPlay cable https://amzn.to/4mpKs7K FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. https://9to5mac.com/about/ affiliate our homepage http://9to5mac.com/ for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on exclusive stories https://9to5mac.com/feature/exclusive/ , reviews https://9to5mac.com/guides/review/ , how-tos https://9to5mac.com/guides/how-to/ , and subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/9to5mac