Instagram might expose you for posting images edited with Facetune or other AI software

Instagram users are discovering that their edited photos might not be as covert as they once thought. The social media giant has quietly rolled out a feature that can detect and label images that have been altered using AI tools or editing software like Facetune.

The issue came to light after TikTok user,  missworldwid33, posted a video claiming that a slightly edited image of themselves got the “AI info” label on their post. The label states, “Generative AI may have been used to create or edit content in this post,” potentially exposing users who rely on photo editing to enhance their images.

This video currently has 6.1 million views, thus, many Instagrammers who use Facetune and other AI apps to fine tune their images are now in panic mode. Even popular creators aren’t immune to this new system. James Charles, a well-known figure in the beauty and lifestyle space, recently had one of their posts flagged with the “AI info” label. The post in question shows James in a floral suit standing with the bride and groom. While it’s unclear what specific edits triggered the label, its presence on a high-profile account has certainly raised eyebrows in the Instagram community. You can tap on the embedded post below to see the “AI Info” label. Note that the label doesn’t appear if you’re on a browser. You’ll have to view it in the Instagram app.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by James Charles (@jamescharles)

According to Instagram’s explanation, this labeling system serves two purposes. First, it allows users to voluntarily add the label when sharing content created or edited with AI. Second, and perhaps more controversially, Instagram’s systems can automatically add the label when they detect “AI signals” in shared content.

This move by Instagram appears to be an attempt at increasing transparency on the platform. By highlighting potentially AI-generated or heavily edited content, they may be trying to address concerns about unrealistic beauty standards and the spread of manipulated images on social media.

However, before users panic and delete their favorite editing apps, it’s worth noting that examples of this labeling are still relatively scarce. The average Instagram user editing out a blemish or tweaking their photo’s contrast likely won’t trigger this system. It seems to be more focused on detecting significant AI-driven alterations or completely AI-generated images. In fact, there aren’t many examples of this happening on a wide scale right now.

So, while this new feature might make some users think twice before applying that heavy filter or dramatic face-tuning effect, it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of photo editing on Instagram. At least not yet. For now, most Instagrammers can probably continue using their favorite editing tools without too much worry. But it’s clear that social media is evolving, with a growing emphasis on authenticity and transparency.