Instagram's AI-Influencer Boom: Who Controls Synthetic Identities & Sexualized Content?

• AI-generated influencers are rapidly growing on Instagram, projected to reach a $45.88 billion market by 2030.
• These synthetic influencers are primarily owned and operated by tech companies, digital studios, or marketing agencies, not individuals.
• The market is infrastructure-led, with companies offering full-stack influencer systems, making the influencer a commercial digital asset.
• A growing number of AI influencers use sexualized content as an engagement accelerant, leveraging algorithm-optimized bodies and fantasy lifestyles.
• Unresolved questions remain regarding ownership, sexualized content, disclosure norms, and accountability, challenging Instagram's human-centric frameworks.