Based on reporting from RNZ Business (New Zealand), Instagram is rolling out an “AI-related” function that can be enabled automatically on users’ accounts. For small and mid-size business owners who rely on Instagram for marketing, that means you may need to proactively review your account settings to control how your images are used.
Even if you’re not building AI products yourself, this matters because your brand assets—photos, product shots, and lifestyle images—are part of how customers recognize you. If a feature is turned on by default, it can change how those assets are processed or repurposed through AI systems.
The practical takeaway: treat this like any other platform change that affects customer-facing content and data handling. Start by checking your Instagram account’s current settings related to image use for AI, then confirm the option is set the way you want for your business. If you manage multiple social accounts or run campaigns through a team, make sure the relevant settings are reviewed on a regular cadence, not just when you launch a promotion.
For SMBs, a simple governance routine can reduce surprises: keep a brief internal checklist for social-media platform updates, assign one person to monitor configuration changes, and align your content approvals process with whatever controls the platform offers. That way, you protect brand intent while still using Instagram effectively.
Source: RNZ Business (New Zealand)
