Tech companies large and small, including Meta, Samsung, and Google, are betting that smart glasses will become a leading device form factor. However, this week has seen a growing backlash against the technology, primarily due to embedded cameras that enable surreptitious recording. Some users have even paid modders to disable the recording light, prompting Meta to block such modifications.
Celebrities slam 'creep goggles': Lorde and Tyler, The Creator speak out
Singer Lorde criticized Meta Glasses during a festival, while rapper Tyler, The Creator called users "real weirdos". Although stars like Kylie Jenner endorse customized versions, online reactions are predominantly negative. Reddit comments include "all internet tech seems to inevitably collapse into surveillance tech" and "people are choosing to be a walking Flock camera".
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London activists install fake Meta Glasses ads to protest surveillance
Activists have placed fake advertisements at London bus stops, depicting Kylie Jenner's face transforming into a skeleton with the tagline "we're always watching". These actions aim to raise public awareness about constant surveillance. Meanwhile, Illinois is set to become the first US state to ban smart glasses while driving, not for covert recording but for potential driver distraction.
Legal moves: Illinois bans smart glasses while driving, South Korea charges cheater
In South Korea, a man faces charges for using smart glasses to cheat on a test: the camera captured questions, and AI provided answers. In the EU, regulators have bowed to US pressure, exempting wearables from removable battery requirements. The privacy debate echoes the Google Glass failure of 2012. Google itself acknowledged that "if people don't feel comfortable wearing these glasses, they just won't wear them". With upcoming Google and Samsung models featuring Gemini AI, companies must balance functionality and privacy. A potential Apple entry, known for privacy focus, could shift dynamics. For more on the regulatory context, read the article on China and Europe on AI. The debate is set to intensify as society demands stronger safeguards against misuse of camera-enabled eyewear.
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