Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1546062
16 SAG-AFTR A | Summer 2026 | sagaftra.org News, Information and Benefits W hen Meta introduced its Muse Image feature in July, SAG-AFTRA responded by raising concerns about the importance of consent and urging members to protect their image rights. The feature allowed users to generate AI images using photos from public Instagram accounts, drawing alarm about the unauthorized use of people's likenesses. "Anything other than a clear and conspicuous opt-in for these types of uses of Instagram users' images is unacceptable, and an utter miscalculation of public sentiment regarding the obvious dangers and harms inherent in such use," SAG-AFTRA said. The union urged members and all users with public Instagram accounts to opt out of the feature, sharing step-by-step instructions across its social media channels. In a message to members and the public, SAG-AFTRA warned, "Meta now lets anyone use your Instagram photos in AI images without your consent," and encouraged all Instagram users to "take action to protect your likeness." The union's Instagram post alone generated more than 5 million views and was shared more than 40,000 times. SAG-AFTRA's dismay was echoed throughout the entertainment industry, with Creative Artists Agency, creators and other industry leaders also calling on Meta to address the feature's lack of meaningful consent protections. Just three days after its launch, Meta discontinued Muse Image. SAG-AFTRA welcomed the decision, stating, "With the dangers of nonconsensual digital replicas well known to all, a feature that encouraged that behavior is unwise. We appreciate its discontinuance. It is the responsible thing to do." The short-lived rollout underscored the importance of informed consent as AI tools continue to evolve. The reversal also reflects SAG-AFTRA's broader efforts to protect performers in the age of AI, from negotiating industry-leading contract protections to advocating for passage of the NO FAKES Act. SAG-AFTRA warned: "Meta now lets anyone use your Instagram photos in AI images without your consent" and encouraged all Instagram users to "take action to protect your likeness." Meta Reverses Course on AI Image Tool Mr. Astin Goes to Washington S AG-AFTRA President Sean Astin testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Courts, Intellectual Property, Artificial Intelligence and the Internet on June 30, calling on Congress to advance safeguards against the unauthorized use of digital replicas. During the hearing, Astin discussed the growing threat of AI-generated voice and image likenesses and the need for legislation that protects identity and consent. "We don't want to stop progress; we need to civilize it," Astin told lawmakers, emphasizing that "consent is not a nuisance, and it is worth protecting." Astin's testimony builds on SAG-AFTRA's ongoing advocacy for the NO FAKES Act, bipartisan legislation that would establish protections against nonconsensual digital replicas. Read more about SAG-AFTRA's AI advocacy and the fight for performer protections on page 50.