Instagram has announced a policy change aimed at increasing transparency around AI-generated profiles on its platform. The company is renaming its existing “AI creator” label to “AI-generated profile” to make the disclosure clearer for users, indicating that the person featured in the profile was generated or substantially created using AI. Under this new policy, creators who fail to properly label AI-generated profiles may face reduced reach, while those who use the new label will not be penalized for featuring an AI-generated individual as their profile subject. Instagram clarifies that the label is not required for all uses of AI, such as editing photos or creating graphics, but is specifically intended for profiles featuring AI-generated people. Source
The decision to implement these changes comes in response to user feedback indicating a desire for clearer identification of AI-generated content. Instagram acknowledges that users have encountered profiles appearing to belong to real individuals, only to discover later that the person was entirely AI-generated. This move is also reflective of broader concerns surrounding AI-generated content across social media, including instances of AI influencers promoting products or services and AI-generated health and wellness personalities making unsubstantiated claims. The announcement follows Instagram’s previous backlash over an AI tool that utilized users’ likenesses without explicit consent, leading to the feature’s removal. Additionally, the policy update arrives amid Meta’s recent $18 billion settlement with U.S. states over allegations related to the impact of Facebook and Instagram on children and teenagers, which includes introducing usage limits and other restrictions for teen users. Source