Meta to discontinue controversial AI feature following privacy concerns, Hollywood's SAG-AFTRA union welcomes move
Meta has announced the discontinuation of a new generative AI tool that allowed users to create images based on public Instagram accounts. The decision follows intense scrutiny from privacy advocates and the SAG-AFTRA labor union regarding the unauthorized use of personal likenesses.
Meta has officially halted an artificial intelligence feature just days after its launch following a wave of criticism from users and industry groups. The tool permitted the generation of AI-driven images by utilizing content from public Instagram profiles, sparking immediate concerns regarding data privacy and intellectual property rights.
The move was praised by SAG-AFTRA, the union representing Hollywood performers, which has been vocal about the risks AI poses to professional likenesses and creative control. Critics argued that the feature effectively exploited personal photography for synthetic media without explicit consent from account owners.
Meta responded to the backlash by pulling the feature from its platforms, acknowledging the feedback from various stakeholders. The company had initially introduced the tool as a way to enhance creative expression but faced significant pushback over the lack of opt-out mechanisms for public data usage. Source: SAG-AFTRA/Meta.
