Tech Firms Double Down on AI Glasses Despite Backlash Over Surveillance
· Technology · Hindustan Times, The Economist
Major tech companies are expanding production of AI-powered eyewear despite a rising public backlash sparked by reports of harassment and covert recording. Meta and EssilorLuxottica have faced criticism after viral videos showed individuals using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to secretly film women, leading critics to dub them pervert glasses. In response, developers have released detection apps like Nearby Glasses and ZuckOff to alert users to nearby recording devices. Meanwhile, Meta has introduced software updates to disable cameras when users tamper with LED recording indicators and has removed abusive content. Despite the controversy, global shipments of AI glasses more than doubled year on year to 4.2 million units in the six months leading to June, according to Omdia.
Why it matters
Wearers, privacy advocates, and consumer safety groups face direct privacy risks from covert recording devices, while major manufacturers like Meta and Snap navigate potential reputational damage as they scale consumer AR hardware.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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