Meta’s glasses will turn off the camera if you tamper with the privacy light
Meta is rolling out an update that disables the camera on its smart glasses when tampering with the privacy LED is detected. The move follows increased scrutiny and misuse.
Meta has announced a new feature for its smart glasses that will automatically deactivate the camera if it detects that someone has physically damaged or destroyed the device's privacy LED light. The update targets modders who have been drilling through the light indicator to bypass recording notifications.
Previously, Meta had tried to discourage such tampering. Starting with its second-generation glasses, blocking the light with tape or other objects would trigger a prompt asking users to uncover the recording light. However, many modders found workarounds for that measure.
Meta’s VP of wearables, Alex Himel, told The Verge that the privacy-focused update was expected after the launch of cheaper Meta Glasses without Ray-Ban branding a few weeks ago. At the time, Himel acknowledged the company was aware of increasing misuse alongside wider adoption of the devices.
The update comes amid public backlash over Meta’s reported plans to add facial recognition to the glasses, as well as reports of individuals harassing young women using the devices. Privacy concerns have also led some public venues to consider bans. Just today, Syracuse.com reported that New York State will begin banning camera glasses from all courtrooms later this month. This follows similar moves from Philadelphia courts and cruise lines restricting smart glasses use in common areas.
