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Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Recorded Conversations Without User Consent
· Confirmed
In Short: Ars Technica and ChannelNews.com.au (Australia) reported that some Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses recorded conversations without users' consent, even when the 'Hey Meta' wake phrase was not used.
According to Ars Technica, a Reddit user first noticed this behavior after a firmware update, while ChannelNews.com.au noted that Meta acknowledged the issue and said it had been resolved.
Both outlets reported that the glasses saved audio recordings and text transcripts of conversations in the user's history, raising privacy concerns.
Ars Technica and ChannelNews.com.au also noted that Meta's response stated the issue had been resolved, allowing users to manage, review, and delete voice logs via settings.
However, Ars Technica reported that the bug showed that even with the light activated, the glasses could record inadvertently, while ChannelNews.com.au emphasized that users could not completely disable audio capture while retaining all voice assistant functionality.
The BBC (United Kingdom) reported that officials urged users to be mindful and respectful of privacy concerns, warning about the considerable risks of recording using smart glasses.
ChannelNews.com.au added that under normal circumstances, the glasses should only capture voice interactions when users activate the AI assistant using the 'Hey Meta' wake phrase or a physical button.
Futurism reported that Meta glasses have been used to record video discreetly, earning them the nickname 'pervert glasses,' and noted that the company's boilerplate statement may not be enough to assuage users' concerns.
9to5Google reported that Meta rolled out a mandatory update that disables the camera on its glasses if someone tampers with the LED privacy light, and that the glasses still alert users to recordings by lighting up the LED on the inner frame.
Both Ars Technica and Futurism noted that the issue first surfaced in a Reddit discussion, where a user claimed their smart glasses had been recording conversations without the usual 'Hey Meta' voice command or manual activation.
The reports from Ars Technica, ChannelNews.com.au, and Futurism agree that the issue has been resolved, but users remain concerned about the potential for future privacy breaches.
In conclusion, while Meta has acknowledged and fixed the unauthorized recording issue, the incident highlights ongoing privacy concerns with smart glasses and the need for users to remain vigilant.
What's confirmed
- “I believe this deserves a serious technical investigation. Customers should not have to wonder whether their private conversations are being captured when they have not intentionally activated their glasses’ AI assistant,” the Reddit user said.
- Meta has since acknowledged the issue in a statement to Android Authority, saying it has been resolved.
- One user says this happened across three separate pairs of glasses.
What's still developing
- Android Authority reported the discussions on Tuesday.
- Meanwhile, the bug lends some credence to reports and trepidation that Ray-Ban Metas are creating recordings without subjects’ knowledge.
- "And feel empowered to challenge users who have not been transparent about the use of the technology," Vane added.
- Can’t-miss innovations from the bleeding edge of science and tech As if Meta’s AI-smart glasses didn’t have enough privacy issues, a growing number of owners report the devices are spying on them without their consent.
- Meta glasses have emerged as a preferred tool of sex creeps, bullies, and skeevy influencers the world over for their ability to record video discreetly — a feature which quickly earned them the nickname “pervert glasses.” “Woah a company that makes money by invading your privacy is invading your privacy!” one Redditor joked in a separate thread about the issue.
- If nothing else, maybe users will gain a new appreciation for what it feels like to be recorded without consent.
- But some owners say the Meta glasses are waking up and recording without that phrase ever being uttered — effectively monitoring their surroundings without express permission.
- TechRadar described that the glasses are supposed to record voice only after the user says “Hey Meta” or presses a button to activate AI, and it said the option to delete recordings does not provide a way to prevent the glasses from recording in the first place. whether retention differs by US vs UK notice VR.org emphasises regional notice differences in retention after the bug, while most outlets focus on Meta fixing the recording behaviour.
- Dr Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya, Isle of Man Information Commissioner, said the technology could "open up the world" for people with "disabilities especially".
- Owners of second- and third-gen models report unexpected transcripts appearing in the Meta AI app after a recent firmware update Some Ray-Ban Meta owners are reporting that their glasses allegedly captured conversations and generated transcripts in the Meta AI app, even with “Respond without Hey Meta” disabled.
- Earlier Ars Technica reporting described contractors reviewing footage from the glasses that reportedly included highly sensitive material, such as images from bathrooms.
- Meta announced over the summer that it had fixed a loophole that allowed users to keep recording even after they'd covered up the front LED light that alerts others they're being recorded, per the Verge.