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.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
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.
- Why It Matters
The introduction of this feature is significant for Meta as it seeks to rebuild trust with consumers following recent controversies, including the silent addition of facial recognition technology to its smart glasses platform.
- The Bigger Picture
This development reflects a broader industry trend where tech companies are increasingly pressured to address privacy issues, especially after backlash over undisclosed features that could compromise user data security.
Related Reports
More coverage on this story
10 reports across the wire
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.
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 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's leaked memo reveals AI pendant, supersensing glasses, and enterprise wearables strategy
Meta has revealed its strategy for AI hardware, including an AI pendant and supersensing glasses, as outlined in a leaked memo. This comes after the company has invested billions in AI with minimal commercial success, shifting focus towards wearable technology.
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 will reportedly let employees take 30-minute breaks from its tracking program
Meta has announced that employees will be allowed to take 30-minute breaks from its tracking program, enabling them to pause monitoring when they need to attend to personal matters. This decision comes amid growing concerns about workplace surveillance and privacy among its workforce.
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.
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 will let employees stop being tracked, for 30 minutes at a time
Meta has announced that employees will now have the option to stop being tracked for 30 minutes at a time, following significant backlash against its previous policy of continuous monitoring through software that captures keystrokes and mouse activity. This decision comes after more than 1,500 employees signed a petition expressing their concerns about workplace surveillance and privacy.