Meta’s glasses will turn off the camera if you tamper with the privacy light
Meta has announced an update to its smart glasses that will disable the camera if the privacy LED light is tampered with or destroyed. This decision comes in response to public backlash and concerns regarding privacy, particularly after reports of users modifying the glasses to bypass privacy features.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
Meta has announced an update to its smart glasses that will disable the camera if the privacy LED light is tampered with or destroyed. This decision comes in response to public backlash and concerns regarding privacy, particularly after reports of users modifying the glasses to bypass privacy features.
- Why It Matters
The new feature aims to enhance user trust and address privacy concerns, which have been a significant issue for Meta, especially following revelations about the integration of facial recognition technology in its smart glasses.
- The Bigger Picture
This development highlights ongoing tensions between technological innovation and privacy rights, as Meta navigates scrutiny over its data practices and the implications of its smart glasses in public and private spaces.
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10 reports across the wire
Meta announces that it will be updating its glasses with a new feature that disables the camera if someone tampers with the glasses' privacy LED light (Victoria Song/The Verge)
Meta has announced an update to its smart glasses, introducing a feature that disables the camera if the privacy LED light is tampered with, aiming to enhance user privacy and security. This update comes amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding privacy concerns related to the company's technology.
Meta Deletes Face-Recognition System From Its Smart Glasses App After WIRED Report
Meta has removed the face-recognition code from its smart glasses app following a report by WIRED that revealed its existence. The latest version of the Meta AI app, which serves as a companion to the smart glasses, no longer contains the controversial feature that could identify individuals using biometric data stored on users' phones. Meta has not provided a reason for this removal or indicated if the feature will return in the future.
One day after discovery, Meta pulls facial recognition code from its smart glasses
Meta has removed facial recognition code from its smart glasses app just one day after its existence was revealed through a code review by WIRED. The company has not provided any explanation for this sudden decision, leaving questions about the future of this feature.
Meta Silently Added Face-Recognition Code for Its Smart Glasses to Millions of Phones
Recent investigations by WIRED revealed that Meta has embedded an unreleased face-recognition system within its smart glasses platform, allowing the identification of individuals through biometric data stored on users' phones. This feature was added silently to millions of devices, raising significant privacy concerns.
Meta Removes Facial Recognition Code from Ray-Ban Smart Glasses App
Meta has removed a facial recognition system, known internally as 'Name Tag', from the code of its Ray-Ban smart glasses companion app after its existence was revealed in a WIRED report. This decision came just one day after the feature was discovered, raising questions about the company's transparency and intentions regarding user privacy.
Wired found code for an unreleased facial recognition feature in Meta's AI app
Wired has discovered that Meta has integrated facial recognition code into its AI app, which is linked to its smart glasses platform, capable of identifying individuals using biometric data stored on users' phones. This feature was found during a code review, indicating ongoing developments in Meta's technology offerings.
Meta face recognition for its glasses came from a Pentagon contractor, WIRED reports
A recent investigation by WIRED revealed that Meta's face recognition system for its smart glasses was developed using software licensed from Rank One Computing, a contractor that primarily serves the Pentagon and police forces. The investigation highlighted a leaked license that connects Meta to this vendor, which generates approximately 80% of its revenue from government contracts.
Meta is reportedly working on an AI pendant and more smart glasses
Meta is reportedly developing an AI pendant and additional smart glasses, with plans to sell 10 million wearables in the latter half of 2026, as reported by The Information. This initiative reflects the company's ongoing commitment to innovation in the wearable technology sector.
Meta Furious Over Bombshell Smart Glasses Revelation
Meta has faced backlash following revelations that it integrated face-recognition technology into its smart glasses platform, enabling the identification of individuals through biometric data on users' phones. This feature was uncovered through a code review, raising significant privacy concerns.
Mark Zuckerberg says Meta's new AI glasses must balance fashion with function for people to wear them
Mark Zuckerberg emphasized the importance of balancing fashion and functionality in Meta's new AI glasses, aiming to encourage wider adoption beyond mere tech gadgets. He believes that appealing aesthetics are crucial for consumer acceptance.