What is the Meta Muse AI agent? Features, safety, and alternatives

What is the Meta Muse AI agent?

Muse is a personal AI agent developed by Meta Platforms. Meta announced Muse on September 8, 2026, as an agent that can act on your behalf across apps and websites.

A chatbot replies to one prompt at a time. An AI agent can plan tasks, use tools, browse websites, connect to apps, and ask for approval before sensitive actions. Muse is one example of how artificial intelligence is changing from a tool that answers questions into a tool that can complete tasks.

Meta’s examples include negotiating a lower bill and turning a saved Instagram recipe reel into a grocery list. Muse’s design team has also shown how Muse can reuse data across Meta apps, turning saved Instagram posts into a shopping catalog with price-drop alerts.

Meta calls Muse “the world’s first personal AI agent built for everyone.” That’s Meta’s own positioning, not an independent ranking. To see how Muse aims to make everyday task completion simple, it helps to look at the model behind it and the workspace where it runs.

Muse vs. Muse Spark: What’s the difference?

Muse and Muse Spark are easy to mix up because both names appear in Meta’s AI announcements. Muse is the app people use, while Muse Spark is the Meta AI model that powers it.

Meta introduced the Muse Spark AI model in April 2026 as the first model in the Muse family. Meta described it as a multimodal reasoning model with support for tool use, visual reasoning, and multi-agent orchestration. In practice, Muse Spark helps Muse understand tasks, plan steps, use connected tools, and continue work across longer sessions.

Meta later released Muse Spark 1.3, which Meta says improves agentic and coding tasks. Muse Spark handles reasoning and task planning, while the Muse app provides the workspace, app connections, approvals, and user controls.

Some unrelated third-party apps also use “Muse” in their names. The Meta product is the one published by Meta Platforms.

How does Muse AI work?

Muse runs inside a persistent cloud workspace called Muse Secure VM. A virtual machine (VM) is a separate computer-like environment hosted online.

Muse also has its own browser inside that VM. The agent can work through websites that don’t offer a direct connection, much like a person would.

Muse connects to apps and services through Connectors. Connectors can let Muse read a calendar, search emails, or draft a message, depending on the permissions you choose. Muse can also connect to Meta apps and third-party services, including Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp, and commerce platforms.

Muse can also create small tools or code when a task needs it. For example, it may create a simple file, table, or workflow to finish a task rather than only sending a text reply.

The technology behind Muse is a form of generative AI, which means it can create text, plans, summaries, files, and other outputs. Muse adds action-taking tools on top of that model, so it can move from planning a task to completing it.

Muse also gives you different levels of visibility into its work. You can see basic status updates, review task details before you approve an action, or open the activity log to check what Muse did and which permissions it used.

The next section covers the main features that make those tasks possible.

Key features of Meta Muse AI

Muse uses several core features to complete tasks and keep you in control. The table below explains what each one does.

Muse AI pricing and availability

Meta offers Muse on iOS, Android, and the web. The company also plans to support Meta AI glasses.

Muse has a free tier with usage limits. Paid plans increase your weekly usage allowance. The Power plan costs $20 per month and includes 500M Muse tokens per week, while the Maximum plan costs $100 per month and includes 3B Muse tokens per week. You can subscribe through muse.ai or the mobile app in select locations.

Meta currently offers Muse in the US, Canada, Japan, and Singapore. The company hasn’t announced a full rollout timeline for other countries. If you already have a Muse account and plan to travel abroad, see How to access Muse AI while traveling abroad.

How to use Muse AI

If you’re wondering how to use Muse AI, start with a small task. How to get started:

1. 1. Download the Muse app from the App Store or Google Play, or open muse.ai if you prefer the web version.
2. 2. Sign in with your Meta account.
3. 3. Complete the onboarding questions about your goals.
4. 4. Connect only the apps Muse needs for your first task.
5. 5. Review your permission, approval, and AI training settings before you give Muse its first task.
6. 6. Give Muse a clear request, such as “Find three hotels near the conference venue under $200 a night.”
7. 7. Approve or decline actions when Muse asks.
8. 8. Check the result and review the activity log.

Before you connect accounts, skim Muse’s privacy policy and data controls. Pay close attention to the sections on data retention, AI training, and connected services. Privacy policies can be long, but these details matter for an agent that can act across accounts.

Is Meta Muse AI safe?

Muse can be safe to use if you set it up carefully. Meta includes safeguards, but an agent that can read your emails and act for you still needs clear limits. Meta’s Help Center states that no automated system is perfect and advises users to review Muse’s activity and grant only the access they’re comfortable with.

Early Muse AI reviews and Reddit discussions appear mixed. Some users praise what Muse can do, while others report that complex tasks need clearer prompts and follow-up. Like most agent tools, Muse works best when you set clear boundaries, keep approvals on, and review actions before they affect your accounts.

That balance is central to AI security. Muse can save time, but you still need to control what it can access and approve sensitive actions before Muse completes them.

Muse’s built-in security features

Meta lists several safeguards for Muse:

• Isolated Secure VM. Each user’s tasks run in a separate cloud workspace, so another user’s agent can’t access it.
• Sentinel approval layer. A separate agent checks outbound actions and asks for approval before sensitive steps, such as purchases, messages, or account changes.
• Hidden credentials. Meta says Muse can use saved login details without the AI model seeing your password.
• Audit log. Muse shows a record of actions, task details, and permissions.
• Per-app permissions. You choose which apps and services Muse can access and what actions it can take.
• AI training opt-out. You can turn off training use if you don’t want Meta to use your Muse interactions to improve its AI models.
• “Forget” command. You can ask Muse to “forget” specific information.

However, the “forget” command has limits. Forgetting isn’t the same as deleting the original chat message. Meta says users can tell Muse to “forget” details it has learned, while TIME reported that the original messages may remain visible in the chat.¹

Meta has also announced Muse Confidential VM, a planned option designed to prevent Meta from accessing data in your VM. Meta says it is already testing the feature with a small group of trusted testers and sharing the design with external auditors.

These safeguards are Meta’s own claims, and independent testing remains limited.

Potential risks of using Muse AI

Muse’s broad data access is the main concern. The more apps and services you connect, such as email, messages, calendars, social accounts, and shopping platforms, the more Muse can do. It also means more personal information passes through one service.

Meta says you control Connectors. Still, information Muse uses for tasks may remain in its memories or conversation history unless you manage or delete it.

Shared chats have also raised privacy concerns. In October 2026, security firm Claroc reported that Muse share links could be discovered through passive DNS records because Muse used conversation titles in share hostnames. Claroc counted more than 6,800 share hostnames and found that some shared pages contained personal records or internal business information.²

Ars Technica later reported on Claroc’s research. After Ars asked Meta about the issue, Meta told Ars it was suspending the sharing feature.³ When Claroc later rechecked 40 shares that had opened without an account earlier that month, none opened, though the hostnames and titles remained in passive DNS history.²

Reports also raised questions about human involvement in Muse tasks. Reuters reported that Meta tested a “human concierge” feature where contractors handled some phone calls placed through Muse, including calls to book appointments, check store inventory, or get service quotes. Reuters also reported that Meta rolled back the feature for now after employees raised privacy concerns. A Meta spokesperson stated that the test was meant to gather feedback so the company could add safety and privacy protections before public release.⁴ CNET also reported that the beta appeared to route some autonomous calling tasks to trained human concierges without prior disclosure to users.⁵

Retailers are also setting rules for AI agents and bots. GeekWire reported that Amazon blocked Muse from shopping on Amazon.com in September 2026. Amazon stated that Meta had not received approval to access its store, that Muse didn’t identify itself while browsing, and that it appeared to capture and store customer credentials, which Amazon argued could create privacy and security risks.⁶ Meta didn’t immediately respond to GeekWire’s request for comment, but its earlier launch materials state that Muse has no visibility into users’ passwords or payment methods.

Muse can also misread instructions or use outdated information. Like other AI tools, it can produce a result that looks polished but still needs a human check. The pros and cons of AI are especially evident with agents. You can save time, but you should review results before you approve purchases, messages, or account changes.

How to use the Meta Muse AI agent securely

Safe use starts with clear limits:

• Download Muse only from official app stores or muse.ai. Check that the developer is Meta Platforms because scammers often create fake apps and phishing pages for popular products.
• Connect the minimum number of apps. Remove Connectors you no longer use because disconnecting them stops future data exchange.
• Keep approvals on for payments, messages, and account changes. Meta recommends human oversight because Muse can make mistakes, and some actions can’t be reversed.
• Use the agent wallet’s one-time-use cards instead of saving your main card details where possible. Meta uses Link by Stripe, a payment method that creates a one-time card number for each purchase and offers protections for eligible purchases.
• Turn off AI training use if you don’t want your conversations used to improve Meta’s models. AI training use is on by default. You can turn it off under “Settings” > “Data controls.”
• Avoid sharing highly sensitive data, such as your Social Security number or medical records. Less shared data means less information stored in one service.
• Use the “forget” command for information you no longer want Muse to keep, such as travel details or payment preferences from a finished task. For a fuller cleanup, delete the relevant messages or reset Muse in “Settings” > “Data controls.”
• Secure your Meta account with a strong, unique password and two-factor authentication. A compromised Meta account can put your connected Muse apps and services at risk.
• Be careful with links sent in “Muse” emails or messages. AI scams often copy trusted brands, so check unfamiliar URLs with a link checker before you sign in or share payment details.

Muse AI alternatives

If Muse isn’t available in your country, other AI agents and assistants can handle similar tasks. Some tools focus on research, while others work best inside a wider app ecosystem. If research is your main use case, AI search engines are also worth comparing.

Muse suits people who already use Meta apps and want a personal agent tied to WhatsApp, Instagram, and connected services. ChatGPT agent suits users who want browsing and task support inside ChatGPT. Gemini suits people who work across Google apps, while Claude works well for research, writing, coding, and computer-use tasks. Manus suits users who want an autonomous agent with a credit-based pricing model.

Muse AI vs. ChatGPT

Muse AI differs from ChatGPT in its main purpose. ChatGPT is primarily a conversational assistant with an optional agent mode. Muse is built as a personal agent first, with a persistent workspace, a cloud VM, app connectors, and direct ties to Meta apps like WhatsApp and Instagram.

Availability also differs. As of October 29, Muse is available only in four supported countries: the US, Canada, Japan, and Singapore. ChatGPT is more widely available, but ChatGPT agent is limited to eligible paid plans, including Pro, Plus, and Team.

Muse works best for tasks that rely on Meta apps and connected services. ChatGPT agent suits users who already work inside ChatGPT and want browsing or task support there. Both tools ask for user input before sensitive actions, but Muse puts more focus on app permissions, activity logs, and its Sentinel approval layer.

Pricing also differs. Muse has a free tier with usage limits and paid plans with higher weekly token allowances. ChatGPT agent is available through eligible paid ChatGPT subscriptions.

How to access Muse AI while traveling abroad

Muse is available only in supported countries. If you travel elsewhere, your ability to use Muse may depend on your Meta account settings, app availability, local laws, device location, and the network you’re using.

A VPN may help if Muse checks your location through your IP address or if a hotel Wi-Fi network, workplace connection, or regional restriction blocks access to Meta services. When you connect to a VPN server in your home country, your device gets an IP address from that country. However, a VPN doesn’t change your Meta account region, app store region, subscription eligibility, or Muse settings, so it doesn’t guarantee access.

Use a VPN only in line with Muse’s terms of service and local laws. Muse’s terms prohibit bypassing third-party terms, security controls, or access controls, and Meta can suspend or restrict access for policy, safety, or security reasons. If you use a VPN while traveling, Meta may treat your sign-in as unusual, which could lead to extra checks or temporary access issues.

A VPN also encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, which helps protect your traffic on public Wi-Fi while you’re logged in to Muse and connected accounts. With NordVPN, you can protect your internet traffic and change your visible IP address. A VPN won’t change how Muse’s cloud VM connects to websites it uses for your tasks.

To use Muse while traveling:

1. 1. Install Muse and sign in before you leave home.
2. 2. Download NordVPN and log in on the device you use for Muse.
3. 3. Connect to a server in the country where your account was set up, such as the US or Canada.
4. 4. Open Muse and use your account as usual.

NordVPN’s real-time protection on mobile can help block known malicious websites, such as fake login pages. It includes a malicious website blocker that blocks dangerous sites known to distribute malware or engage in malicious activity. It doesn’t replace careful browsing habits, so keep your device updated and avoid unknown downloads.

Disclaimer: The trademarks referenced are for illustrative purposes only. NordVPN is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the owners of those trademarks. Product details about the Meta Muse AI agent were sourced from official Meta materials, including Meta announcements, Help Center pages, and product documentation. Information from non-Meta sources is cited separately in the references.

References

¹ Booth, H. (2026, October 6). Meta’s Muse AI Agent Is Building a Dossier On You. TIME. https://time.com/article/2026/10/06/meta-muse-ai-agent-privacy/ opens in a new tab

² Claroc. (2026, October 20). GhostShares: A Shared Muse Chat Exposed Prep for a Confidential Call With a Frontier AI Lab Leader. https://blog.claroc.io/ghostshares-muse-passive-dns opens in a new tab 

³ Goodin, D. (2026, October 20). Meta Muse exposes users’ personal and business secrets when they share conversations. Ars Technica. https://arstechnica.com/security/2026/10/meta-muse-exposes-users-personal-and-business-secrets-when-they-share-conversations/ opens in a new tab 

⁴ Paul, K. (2026, September 22). Meta testing a ‘human concierge’ for its new personal AI agent, Muse. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/meta-testing-human-concierge-its-new-personal-ai-agent-muse-2026-09-22/ opens in a new tab 

⁵ Grunin, L. (2026, September 26). Leaks Show That Meta’s New AI Agent Relied on Real People to Make Calls. CNET. https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/leaks-metas-new-ai-agent-muse-real-people-call-centers/ opens in a new tab 

⁶ Bishop, T. (2026, September 20). Amazon blocks Meta’s Muse AI assistant in new standoff over agentic shopping. GeekWire. https://www.geekwire.com/2026/amazon-blocks-metas-muse-ai-assistant-in-new-standoff-over-agentic-shopping/ opens in a new tab

⁷ Okudaira, K., & Yamada, R. (2026, October 24). As Muse personal AI agent debuts in Japan, Meta exec says it won’t have ads. Nikkei Asia. https://asia.nikkei.com/editor-s-picks/interview/as-muse-personal-ai-agent-debuts-in-japan-meta-exec-says-it-won-t-have-ads opens in a new tab

⁸  Howley, D. (2026, September 23). Meta’s Zuckerberg says Muse AI agent will take a small fee from transactions. Yahoo Finance. https://finance.yahoo.com/technology/article/metas-zuckerberg-says-muse-ai-agent-will-take-a-small-fee-from-transactions-234639802.html opens in a new tab