Meta Updates Smart Glasses to Prevent Hidden Recordings

Meta is rolling out a software update for its smart glasses to prevent users from recording video while the LED indicator light is obstructed. According to Alex Himel, the vice president of augmented reality at Meta, the camera will now stop working if the light is covered during a recording. This update addresses a loophole where users could bypass security by starting a recording first and then covering the LED light.

The measure follows reports of the devices being used to film people without consent, including instances of harassment and the recording of strangers for social media pranks. In response, Meta has launched advertising campaigns in certain cities, such as Los Angeles, to highlight the safety features of the glasses. Himel stated that only a tiny minority of people attempt to bypass these protections.

Despite the update, some concerns remain. One report notes that bad actors might still modify the hardware or use semi-transparent stickers to make the light less visible. Meanwhile, the technology faces significant regulatory scrutiny. Data regulators in the European Union are probing privacy concerns, and Germany is considering a ban following a criminal complaint alleging breaches of privacy laws. In Brazil, the Instituto de Defesa de Consumidores has called for investigations into potential abuses of the devices.