In May 2022, Facebook know as Meta Company had disabled certain augmented reality filters and effects for Instagram and Facebook users in Texas and Illinois.
This Change came after when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Meta alleging it uses facial recognition technology that violates Texas law and infringes upon Texans’ privacy rights.
After that Meta announced that some filters and effects will not available in Texas and Illinois for Instagram and Facebook users in response to lawsuits in Texas and Illinois state over its use of facial recognition tools..
So, now Instagram and Facebook users in Texas and Illinois state will not able to user some filters and effects.
Why Are Instagram Filters Not Working In Texas?
Instagram filters not working in Texas because Instagram parent company Meta Disabled some of filters and effects when Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued Meta, Instagram’s parent company, alleging it uses facial recognition technology that violates Texas law and infringes upon Texans’ privacy rights
How To Use Instagram Filters In Texas & Illinois?
You can still use image color or background change related filters and effects on Instagram.
Also you can use fun filters also in Instagram App. But you can not use some face filter which record facial geometry.
Also Read: How to Use Crying Filter on Instagram?
Are Face Filters Banned In Texas?
Yes, some face filter which record facial geometry disabled in Texas by Instagram parent company Meta.
But Filters that alter the image’s color or background are still available. You can use those filter image color and background changing effects on Instagram.
Did Texas And Illinois Ban Instagram Filters?
No, Texas and Illinois didn’t Ban Instagram Filters, A lawsuit is keeping them out of the state. According to the Texas Capture or Use Biometric Identifier Act, nobody can collect or store biometric information of Texas people without their consent.
Meta itself voluntarily chose to disable those filters and effects. Neither Texas nor Illinois banned them.
Which Filters Are Banned In Texas?
The filters which record facial geometry disabled in Texas by Instagram parent company Meta.
But Filters that alter the image’s color or background are still available. You can use those filter image color and background changing effects on Instagram.
Also Read: How to See Who Someone Recently Followed on Instagram?
Conclusion
The company sent below statement to KXAN:
The technology we use to power augmented reality effects like avatars and filters is not facial recognition or any technology covered by the Texas and Illinois laws, and is not used to identify anyone. Nevertheless, we are taking this step to prevent meritless and distracting litigation under laws in these two states based on a mischaracterization of how our features work. We remain committed to delivering AR experiences that people love, and that a diverse roster of creators use to grow their businesses, without needless friction or confusion.
– Meta Statement
The company also mentioned it will soon launch an “opt-in experience that explains how AR effect placement works” with plans to resume services in Texas across apps and devices.
Source: KXAN
