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Home/Market & Regulation
Market & Regulation

Meta removes AI feature from Instagram after backlash

TechCrunch AI·July 10, 2026·high confidence

Why it matters

  • →Highlights the ethical challenges in AI tool deployment.
  • →Demonstrates the importance of user consent in AI applications.
  • →Reflects ongoing scrutiny of AI misuse on social media platforms.
Meta removes AI feature from Instagram after backlash
©TechCrunch AI

Meta has removed a controversial AI feature from Instagram that allowed users to modify photos from public accounts without notifying the original poster. The feature was part of the Muse Image AI toolset, introduced by Meta Superintelligence Labs. It faced backlash for potential misuse, particularly in generating unauthorized images. Meta's decision to retract the feature highlights the challenges in balancing innovation with user privacy and ethical considerations. The company acknowledged the feedback and removed the feature to address concerns.

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Apple sues OpenAI over trade secret theft© TechCrunch AI
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Apple sues OpenAI over trade secret theft

Apple has initiated a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of misappropriating trade secrets and breaching contracts. The allegations suggest that OpenAI's leadership, including Chief Hardware Officer Tang Tan, orchestrated the acquisition of confidential information from former Apple employees. This legal battle emerges as OpenAI is rumored to be developing a hardware product that could compete with Apple's iPhone. Apple's move to protect its intellectual property underscores the competitive landscape between the two tech giants. The resolution of this case could have significant implications for OpenAI's hardware development plans.

TechCrunch AI·Jul 10, 2026
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Clem Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, underscores the critical role of open source AI, comparing the platform to a GitHub for AI models and datasets. He observes that as companies expand, they often move from expensive proprietary APIs to more affordable open source options, which he believes is essential for democratizing AI technology. Delangue voices concerns about the risk of a few large companies dominating the AI landscape, advocating for openness and transparency, particularly in the field of robotics. This approach is reflected in Hugging Face's decision to focus on capital efficiency rather than traditional fundraising, even declining a significant investment offer from Nvidia to stay true to its open source principles.

TechCrunch AI·Jul 10, 2026
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Hugging Face CEO Discusses Open Source AI Shift

Hugging Face CEO Clem Delangue points to a notable trend where companies are increasingly opting for open source AI models over proprietary APIs. This shift is largely driven by the prohibitive costs of scaling proprietary solutions, prompting even major corporations to explore open source alternatives. Delangue's observations come at a time when there's concern about a few large companies potentially dominating the AI sector. This movement towards open source is making AI development more accessible and encouraging broader innovation.

TechCrunch AI·Jul 10, 2026

More in Market & Regulation

Meta Disables Instagram AI Deepfake Feature© The Verge AI
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Meta Disables Instagram AI Deepfake Feature

Meta has quickly removed a controversial Instagram feature that allowed users to create AI-generated images using content from public accounts. This feature, part of Meta's Muse Image AI model, faced heavy criticism for enabling potential misuse without the consent of account owners. Critics, including the National Center on Sexual Exploitation, pointed out risks such as sextortion and privacy violations. Initially, Meta offered an opt-out option hidden in settings, but the backlash led to the feature's complete removal. This decision highlights the ongoing challenge for tech companies to innovate while respecting user privacy and safety.

The Verge AI·Jul 10, 2026
Apple sues OpenAI over alleged trade secret theft© The Verge AI
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Apple has taken legal action against OpenAI, accusing the company of illicitly acquiring trade secrets to enhance its hardware development. The lawsuit alleges that former Apple employees, now working at OpenAI, transferred confidential information about Apple's unreleased products and processes. This legal conflict reveals the intense competition among tech giants as they venture into AI hardware. If the allegations hold true, OpenAI's hardware plans and its partnerships could face significant challenges. This case brings attention to the vital role of intellectual property protection in the tech industry.

The Verge AI·Jul 10, 2026
Apple Sues OpenAI for Alleged Trade Secret Theft© WIRED AI
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Apple Sues OpenAI for Alleged Trade Secret Theft

Apple has taken legal action against OpenAI, accusing it of misappropriating trade secrets, including unreleased hardware designs and confidential documents. The lawsuit targets Tang Tan, OpenAI's hardware chief and a former Apple executive, alleging he facilitated the transfer of proprietary technology from Apple to OpenAI. This case could become a landmark intellectual property dispute in Silicon Valley, echoing the Waymo-Uber conflict. The legal proceedings reflect the escalating rivalry between Apple and OpenAI, who were once partners but are now competing in the AI-powered consumer device market.

WIRED AI·Jul 10, 2026