Meta makes AI glasses slightly less creepy with limit on nonconsensual recording

Meta has introduced a critical software modification for its smart glasses to prevent users from circumventing the built-in recording notification light.

Previously, individuals could easily record bystanders without their knowledge by starting a video and subsequently covering the device's LED indicator. Under the newly announced update, the camera system will immediately cease operation if the light is obstructed during recording. This adjustment comes in response to rising public backlash and intense scrutiny from European Union data protection regulators, who are currently investigating the product's design. Some European nations are even contemplating outright bans, arguing that the devices encourage mass surveillance and fail to sufficiently notify the public when they are being filmed.\n\nSimultaneously, Meta faces a significant class-action lawsuit in the United States that accuses the technology giant of deceptive marketing regarding user and bystander privacy. The litigation alleges that the company falsely advertises the glasses as secure, while in reality, captured footage is sent to human contractors in Kenya for artificial intelligence training purposes. According to the lawsuit, these annotators review deeply personal videos captured unwittingly by the devices, ranging from private bedroom moments to sensitive personal information. Although Meta has launched a new promotional campaign emphasizing the visibility of the recording light, the legal action seeks damages and court-ordered changes to how the company markets and handles the data collected by its wearable technology.