Meta has pulled back a controversial AI feature that allowed users to generate custom images by @-mentioning public Instagram accounts, admitting the tool "missed the mark." The feature, part of Meta's Muse Image model, let anyone using the Meta AI chatbot scrape images from public profiles to create deepfakes. It sparked backlash due to an "opt-out" policy that automatically opted in all public account holders over the age of 18 by default, meaning their facial likeness could be used without explicit consent. Creative Artists Agency (CAA), representing stars like Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, protested, stating that "no one’s name, image, likeness, voice or creative work should be used by any third party, including AI models, without clear, documented consent." A Meta spokesperson said the intent was to provide a creative tool and give people control, but after hearing feedback, the feature is "no longer available." Meta had previously noted plans to introduce alternative generative AI features across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Messenger.