Instagram has announced a new policy targeting accounts that appear to represent real people but are actually based on fictional characters created using artificial intelligence.
The move comes after users reportedly raised concerns about AI-generated profiles that look like genuine people. In some cases, users only discover later that the person shown in the profile does not actually exist and that their identity, photographs or online persona were created using AI.
Under the new policy, Instagram will not necessarily remove these accounts from the platform. Instead, the company plans to make it clearer to users when they are interacting with an AI-generated fictional identity.
Instagram is changing its existing “AI Creator” label to “AI Generated Profile” for accounts based on fictional AI personalities. The updated label is intended to make it easier for users to understand that the profile does not represent a real person.
The platform will also take action against fictional AI-based accounts that fail to carry the appropriate disclosure. Instagram says the reach of such accounts may be reduced, meaning their posts could be shown to fewer users across the platform.
According to the company, the policy change follows feedback and complaints from users who wanted greater transparency about AI-generated identities appearing on Instagram.
Instagram had begun testing its “AI Creator” label earlier this year as AI-generated characters and virtual personalities became increasingly common on social media. The latest change appears aimed at providing users with clearer information about the nature of these accounts.
The new approach is expected to help users distinguish between genuine profiles and fictional identities created through artificial intelligence. Instagram’s policy highlights the growing challenge faced by social media platforms as AI-generated images, personalities and entire digital identities become increasingly difficult to distinguish from real people.