There’s a new Instagram setting every parent needs to check, and honestly, anyone with an Instagram account, because it could let strangers generate AI images of you or your young person. Here’s what’s changed, how to talk to your children about it, and the way to opt out.
On 7 July, Meta launched Muse Image, its new AI image generator, built directly into Instagram, WhatsApp and the Meta AI app.
Buried in the recent update is a change that deserves far more attention than it’s getting: if an Instagram account is public, anyone can now @-mention it in an AI prompt, and Meta will pull photos from that profile to generate brand new AI images of that person.
Three things make this particularly concerning:
If this feels familiar, it should. In April, TikTok quietly opted every user into an “Allow AI to remix content” feature, enabled by default, even on years-old videos, with no account-wide way to switch it off. The backlash from creators and parents was fierce, and TikTok paused the feature within days.
Meta is now running a very similar approach. Public pressure may well force changes here too, but don’t wait for a rollback.
Think about what “public account + no consent + no notification” means for a teenager.
For example, a classmate, an ex-friend, or a complete stranger could be generating AI images using your child’s face right now, and neither you nor they would have any way of knowing unless those images popped up somewhere. For young people, the risks range from embarrassment and bullying to far more serious misuse of their likeness.
One important reassurance: private accounts are protected. This feature is built around public content, so if your child’s account is private, they’re already in a much better position.
When changes like this happen, it is genuinely a good opportunity to talk to your children about their digital footprint, and it works best if you keep it curious rather than scary. Try something like:
“Did you know Instagram just changed how AI can use your photos? Want to check your settings together?”
Doing it together matters, helps show your interest in their digital world, and it opens the door to a bigger question worth asking calmly: does their account really need to be public?
▶️ Prefer to watch? I’ve made a short video walking through everything above, including the step-by-step on-screen
Important to note: when I checked my own account, this setting wasn’t switched on. The rollout is staggered; some accounts have the new setting, some don’t yet, which is exactly why you should check rather than assume either way.
If you don’t see the setting yet, check again in a day or two; it’s still rolling out.
Which is all the more reason to sort this today rather than next week.
Check your settings. Check your children’s settings. And share this with a parent who needs to see it; most people have no idea this change has happened.
I’ll keep watching this as it rolls out.
If you would like further help
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Wayne
Remember to share it with your family & friends.
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