Photos posted on social media are no longer just digital memories; they have become one of the most vital resources technology companies rely on to develop artificial intelligence.
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With Meta's launch of its "Muse Image" system, growing privacy concerns have surfaced. This technology allows AI to analyze photos posted on public Instagram accounts, understand their elements, and generate new images inspired by them without directly copying them.
The new system has raised alarms among cybersecurity experts, especially since Meta automatically opted-in adult public account holders to this feature without requiring explicit consent or notifying users when their photos are utilized for AI training.
Speaking to Al-Arabiya.net and Al-Hadath.net, Dr. Mohamed Mohsen Ramadan, Head of the AI and Cybersecurity Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Studies, explained that the danger does not lie in copying the photos themselves. Rather, it is the system's ability to analyze facial features and use them to generate new images, which could pave the way for future misuse as deepfake technology advances.
Dr. Ramadan pointed out that excluding private accounts and minors (under 18) from this feature does not offer complete protection. Meta confirms that disabling the feature does not stop the company from using other data, such as comments, text, and audio files, to develop its AI models.
He noted that the most effective way to protect your digital footprint is to switch your account to "Private," as private accounts are excluded from this feature.
For users who wish to keep their accounts public, they can limit the use of their photos by navigating to Instagram settings, selecting "Sharing and Reuse," and disabling the option: "Allow people to reuse your content on Instagram and with AI features." The app also allows users to individually disable AI feature access for each specific photo or video.
On his part, Major General Abu Bakr Abdel Karim, former Assistant Minister of the Egyptian Interior for Media and Relations, told Al-Arabiya.net and Al-Hadath.net that the issue is not about rejecting technological advancement, but about a user's right to control their personal data and prevent identity theft or unauthorized exploitation.
He advised against relying on default social media settings, as privacy policies change constantly. He stressed the importance of regularly reviewing account settings, enabling two-factor authentication, avoiding posting sensitive photos or pictures of children, and denying unnecessary permissions to third-party applications, emphasizing that protecting digital privacy has become a security necessity in light of rapid AI developments.
Al-Arabiya
