We’ve long known the unspoken rule of the modern internet: When services like Facebook and Instagram are free to use, we are paying for them with our content, our posts, and our screen time consumed by ads.
Meta’s latest move to feed its newly launched Muse image‑generation tool pushes that old bargain into new territory. Thankfully, you don’t have to simply accept the terms. If you want to keep your pictures and videos out of Muse, here’s how to lock down your account immediately:
- Open the Instagram app on your phone, then head to your profile.
- Tap the hamburger menu (the three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and tap on “Sharing and reuse.”
- Look for the section that says, “Allow people to use your content on Instagram and with AI features at Meta.”
- Toggle the settings off for both Posts and Reels.
The company has faced criticism for automatically opting users into its AI dataset. Without explicit consent, personal photos and reels became part of the training pool for Muse.
If you’re uneasy about this, your caution is understandable. Meta has previously faced regulatory scrutiny over data privacy practices, including a record $5 billion fine from the United States Federal Trade Commission in 2019 related to improper data handling. Globally, similar concerns have arisen when third‑party firms accessed user data without clear permission.
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