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Rise of smart glasses raises privacy alarms
Millions of smart glasses, led by Meta's Ray-Ban models, are being sold globally, but reports of unauthorized recordings and online harassment are growing. Women in public spaces have been filmed without consent, with videos later shared online, often accompanied by abusive comments.
How the technology works
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed with EssilorLuxottica, feature a discreet camera in the frame, speakers in the arms, and lenses that display limited information. Users can record video or take photos with a simple tap. The glasses currently dominate the market, accounting for over 80% of smart glasses sales, with more than seven million pairs sold to date.
However, the near-invisible camera has led to unintended recordings. Workers in Kenya reviewing footage for AI training reported exposure to graphic content, including bathroom usage and sexual acts. Two lawsuits have since been filed, with plaintiffs claiming they were unaware their videos were being reviewed or shared.
"Users were informed about potential human review in certain cases," Meta stated in response to the lawsuits.
Legal and ethical dilemmas
Photography in public spaces is broadly legal, leaving victims of unauthorized recordings with little recourse. One woman told the BBC that when she asked for a video of her to be removed, she was told it was "a paid service."
Meta spokesperson Tracy Clayton emphasized personal responsibility, stating, "People should use technology responsibly. While we have teams to combat misuse, the onus is on individuals."
Industry expansion and backlash
Despite concerns, demand is rising. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg called the glasses "some of the fastest-growing consumer electronics in history." Competitors like Apple, Snap, and Google are developing their own versions, with Apple reportedly planning a 2027 release and Snap launching updated Spectacles this year.
Researchers predict up to 100 million smart glasses could be sold in the next few years, complicating efforts to enforce recording bans in sensitive areas like courthouses, hospitals, and bathrooms.
"There are some pretty dark places we could go here," said David Kessler, a privacy attorney at Norton Rose Fulbright. "Will I need to assume I'm being recorded every time I go out?"
Everyday use and public reaction
Not all users exploit the technology. Mark Smith, a tech consultant, wears his Meta Ray-Bans daily for music, calls, and travel photos. However, he acknowledged the privacy risks, noting the recording light is often too dim to notice in daylight.
Public reactions vary. Online influencer Aniessa Navarro described feeling "sick" when she discovered her waxing technician was wearing the glasses, even though they claimed the device wasn't recording. Meanwhile, a viral video of a woman smashing a man's Meta glasses on the New York subway after he filmed her without consent was widely celebrated online.
Future risks and industry response
Meta reportedly plans to add facial recognition to future models, allowing wearers to identify people in real time. The company markets its glasses with the tagline "Designed for privacy, controlled by you," advising users to avoid recording in sensitive spaces and respect objections. Yet these guidelines are frequently ignored.
David Harris, a former Meta AI researcher, warned of a potential backlash akin to Google Glass's failure a decade ago. "This technology is fundamentally an invasion of privacy," he said. "It's going to face more resistance."
