Meta pulls Instagram AI update after backlash against deepfake feature
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Meta pulls Instagram AI update after backlash against deepfake feature

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(Update: )
American multinational technology corporation
photo and video sharing social network owned by Meta Platforms
  • Meta introduced a new AI feature on Instagram that allowed users to create deepfakes.
  • The feature faced intense backlash, leading to its discontinuation.
  • Meta acknowledged the feedback and stated the feature missed the mark.
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In the United States, Meta faced significant backlash after introducing a controversial AI update on Instagram that allowed users to create photorealistic deepfakes of other users. This feature, which enabled tagging of public accounts in AI-generated images, was met with widespread criticism, particularly from advocacy groups concerned about the implications of nonconsensual digital replicas. The backlash was so intense that Meta decided to retract the feature, stating that they had heard the feedback and acknowledged that the feature 'missed the mark.' The decision to discontinue the feature was welcomed by organizations like SAG-AFTRA, which emphasized the importance of protecting artists' likenesses from misuse by AI technologies. The controversy highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding the ethical use of AI in creative fields and the need for companies to prioritize user consent and privacy in their technological advancements. As generative AI continues to evolve, the incident serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with its application in social media platforms and the responsibility of tech companies to address public concerns.