Meta Tested Face Recognition Technology for Its Smart Glasses

Meta worked with a company called Rank One to develop facial recognition capabilities for its Ray-Ban smart glasses. Rank One is a supplier to the Pentagon, and its board includes a former CIA deputy director and a former FBI science chief. This work was for internal development and prototyping of the smart glasses app. This affects anyone considering purchasing Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses or anyone concerned about being recorded in public. The glasses look like regular sunglasses, making it difficult for others to know when they are being recorded. The addition of facial recognition technology raises concerns about privacy in public spaces, as someone could potentially identify strangers without their knowledge or consent.

If you own Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, understand the privacy implications and legal restrictions.

1. Check your local laws about recording others in public, as some states require consent.
2. Be transparent when recording others and inform people if you are using the glasses to capture video or photos.
3. Review your privacy settings in the Meta View app to understand what data is collected.
4. Do not use the glasses to record in private spaces like bathrooms, changing rooms, or medical facilities. When in public, be aware that people wearing smart glasses may be recording. You cannot easily tell if someone is actively recording with these devices. If you are uncomfortable being recorded, you can politely ask people to stop recording or move to a different location. Teaching children about the existence of hidden cameras and recording devices in everyday objects is becoming increasingly important for modern privacy awareness.