Meta Glasses Backlash Changes How (or If) People Use Them
The backlash against Meta's smart glasses, driven by privacy concerns and misuse, is causing users to reduce or abandon them. Meta responds with a mandatory software update that disables the camera if the LED indicator is tampered with.
Meta's smart glasses, equipped with cameras and other features, are facing increasing public backlash. Despite selling over 7 million pairs in 2025, privacy concerns and reports of misuse are altering user habits significantly.
Creators and photographers interviewed by Engadget report changing their usage or stopping entirely due to fear of being perceived as "creepy." Danielle, a Florida-based creator who asked to be identified only by first name, said she stopped using them after learning about contractors reviewing intimate images captured by the glasses and reports of men using them to film women in public. "At this point, they're like a fancy paper weight," she said.
Christian Eisenbarth, a Los Angeles videographer, received a pair as a gift but has not used them outside his home "mainly due to being afraid of being labeled as a creep." He finds the product impressive but says fear outweighs enthusiasm.
Martino Wong, an early adopter, said he is now more mindful and sometimes folds the glasses and hangs them on his shirt to show they are not in use. Will Kujawa, a freelance video producer, reconsidered buying a pair after online backlash labeled wearers as predators. He still might buy them but plans to carry backup glasses for appropriate situations.
Jeremy, a professional photographer and brand consultant, turned off cloud uploads and uses strict privacy settings. He understands the backlash: "Facebook hasn't done a lot of good in the world. I totally understand the backlash." He notes that privacy concerns extend beyond one product.
In response, Meta announced a mandatory software update that disables the camera if the LED recording indicator is physically tampered with. The company also said it will take legal action against those promoting LED-tampering services. However, Meta has been vague about additional privacy features, offering only general assurances.
The backlash is reshaping how people use Meta's glasses, pushing the company to address privacy issues more directly.
