Privacy Backlash Mounts as Meta’s Smart Glasses See Record Sales

Despite growing concerns over privacy violations, the smart glasses market is experiencing a surge in demand, with major technology firms preparing to distribute millions of units in the near future. At the center of this trend is Meta, whose AI-enabled eyewear has become the dominant force in the sector, accounting for an estimated 80% of all smart glasses sales.

However, the rise of these devices has sparked significant controversy. Reports indicate that men wearing Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are frequently approaching women on beaches, in shops, and on streets to film their reactions to unsolicited questions or pickup lines. These recordings are often made without the subjects' knowledge or consent. Many women only discover they have been recorded when the videos go viral online, often accompanied by harassment. Because public photography is generally legal, victims have limited legal options. In one instance cited by the BBC, a woman who requested the removal of a secretly recorded video was told by the uploader that taking it down was a "paid service."

Meta’s product, developed in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica, retains the classic aesthetic of Ray-Bans while integrating advanced technology. The frames house nearly invisible cameras and small speakers, with the latest model adding lenses capable of displaying information. A simple tap allows users to capture photos or video. The subtlety of the camera has led to confusion among wearers, who have occasionally been unaware of when or where they were recording.

These privacy issues have escalated into legal action. Following reports that workers in Kenya were compelled to view graphic content, including sexual acts and bathroom usage, while labeling training data for Meta’s AI, two lawsuits were filed by owners of the glasses. Plaintiffs argued they were unaware that videos were being created and that Meta was sharing them for human review. Meta has stated that its terms of service do inform users about the potential for human review in certain scenarios.

Despite the controversy, sales figures remain robust. The company reports that seven million pairs have been sold, a milestone that CEO Mark Zuckerberg highlighted earlier this year by calling the device one of the "fastest-growing consumer electronics in history."

Tracy Clayton, a Meta spokesperson, told the BBC that while the company has teams dedicated to preventing misuse, individual responsibility is paramount. "As with any technology, the onus is ultimately on individual people to not actively exploit it," Clayton said, urging responsible behavior.

The success of Meta’s glasses has prompted other tech giants to enter the market. Apple is reportedly working on its own smart glasses, potentially for release next year. Snap plans to launch an updated version of its Specs glasses this year. Google, too, is re-entering the arena, more than a decade after its initial Google Glass product was pulled from the public market due to privacy backlash and high costs.

All these new entrants are expected to incorporate artificial intelligence and augmented reality, features that typically require camera integration. While privacy advocates warn of potential misuse, users like Mark Smith continue to embrace the technology. Smith, a partner at advisory firm ISG and an early tech adopter, uses his Meta Ray-Bans daily. He praised the device's utility, noting that he enjoys wearing them for mundane tasks like washing dishes at home, appreciating the features despite the lack of groundbreaking technological leaps.

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-13 05:01:07 UTC