- Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban smart glasses are facing a severe privacy backlash in 2026, with critics dubbing them “pervert glasses.”
- A BBC investigation and a joint Swedish probe revealed women were secretly filmed and contractors reviewed intimate footage, including nudity and credit card numbers.
- The backlash has led to a class-action lawsuit, government investigations, and bans at major events like Comic Con and DEF CON.
A 2026 privacy firestorm has engulfed Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses after investigations revealed the devices are being used to secretly record individuals in public. Critics now widely refer to the AI-powered glasses as “pervert glasses” due to the invasive and non-consensual nature of their use.
In January, a BBC investigation found women were being secretly filmed with the glasses, with videos then posted to TikTok without consent. A joint Swedish probe then revealed that Nairobi-based contractors hired to train Meta’s AI reviewed footage from the glasses, including people using the bathroom and having sex.
Consequently, Meta faced a class-action lawsuit in March over failing to disclose that human contractors could review content. Democratic senators also questioned the company about plans for facial recognition, warning the technology could enable real-time stalking.
The ACLU and 75 other organizations urged Meta in April to abandon facial recognition plans, calling it “a red line society must not cross.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton then opened an investigation in May over concerns the devices could secretly record people and collect facial data.
In July, Meta updated the glasses to prevent hidden recording after users found ways to bypass the recording light. However, the backlash continued, with Police Scotland investigating a TikToker for secretly filming people, and events like Comic Con and DEF CON banning the devices over privacy concerns.
✅ Follow BITNEWSBOT on Telegram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X.com, and Google News for instant updates.
