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AI Regulation & PolicyTechCrunch AIPublished: Sep 1, 2026, 06:01 JST1 min read

Instagram limits undisclosed AI profiles

Instagram limits undisclosed AI profiles

Key takeaway

  • Instagram is renaming its AI label and will limit reach for undisclosed AI profiles.

  • The change responds to user complaints about deceptive AI-generated people.

  • Creators who use the label are not penalized.

3 Key Points

  1. What happened

    Instagram announced Monday it will rename its 'AI creator' label to 'AI-generated profile' and limit the reach of accounts that feature AI-generated people without disclosing it.

  2. Why it matters

    Users have complained about profiles that seem human but turn out to be AI-generated. The change aims to make such profiles clearer, and creators who use the new label won't be penalized just for having an AI-generated person as their profile subject.

  3. What to watch

    The policy comes amid growing concerns about AI influencers, including a Wired investigation into AI-generated male influencers promoting the Goose dating app and a New York Times report about AI-generated doctors and wellness personalities on social media.

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Context & Analysis

Instagram's move follows growing frustration with AI-generated content, especially in cases where profiles appear human but are not. The new label aims to give users more transparency, while not penalizing creators who properly disclose AI-generated profiles. The timing is notable, as Meta has faced backlash over AI tools that used people's likenesses without consent, leading to the removal of one such feature. Additionally, Meta recently agreed to an $18 billion settlement with U.S. states over concerns about the effects of Facebook and Instagram on teenagers, which includes new restrictions like a default two-hour daily usage limit for teens. These steps indicate a broader effort to address user trust and safety on Meta's platforms.

FAQ

Who needs to use the new 'AI-generated profile' label?
Creators who feature an AI-generated person as their profile subject. Those who use AI for editing photos, captions, or graphics do not need it.
What happens if a creator doesn't label an AI-generated profile?
They could see their reach reduced on the platform.

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