Smart Glasses: Exciting Tech Amid Privacy Concerns

With Meta’s stylish and highly functional new smart glasses, the possibility of these devices entering the mainstream has never seemed more viable. If that occurs, millions of users may soon find themselves equipped with technology once only found in Hollywood spy films. For those concerned about privacy, being doxxed could become an unfortunate reality in mere moments.

1 Lightning-Speed Doxxing

Imagine if a stranger could snap your photo as they casually walked past and instantly gather sensitive information about you. A recent demonstration by a pair of Harvard students in September 2024 has shown that this is not just a futuristic fantasy, but a current reality.

These students transformed Meta’s smart glasses into an instant doxxing machine. They livestreamed the footage captured by the glasses on Instagram, while a computer program analyzed the stream and identified individuals using AI-powered facial recognition. Once identified, the faces were cross-referenced with public databases that could reveal everything from addresses to phone numbers and social media profiles.

While it’s true that you don’t need smart glasses to dox someone, their design makes this especially straightforward. The discreet nature of smart glasses means you can capture someone’s image without them noticing—something that’s far more challenging to achieve with a traditional camera or phone.

2 Insufficient Privacy Protections

When Meta discusses the privacy features of its smart glasses, they mainly refer to controls that users have over their own data, rather than measures to protect the privacy of unsuspecting bystanders. Users can dictate how much data is collected, who can use the glasses through their verification features, and more. However, when it comes to safeguarding the privacy of others, Meta’s options are limited to a single LED indicator that lights up when recording is in progress.

This small blinking LED is intended to signal to those nearby that the glasses are recording. However, there are two major flaws in this feature. First, many people may not even notice the light. More critically, numerous videos and guides already exist on how to obscure the LED indicator. Even when covered, the light is designed to stop the recording functionality; yet resourceful users worldwide have devised ways to bypass this supposed safeguard.

3 Lack of Consent from Bystanders

With smart glasses, snapping a photo of someone you pass by has never been simpler. A quick button press can lead to capturing images of everyone in sight. While it’s possible for someone with a smartphone to achieve the same effect, smart glasses make it much easier to do so without drawing attention. When using a phone or camera, users are more likely to be recognized and might feel the need to ask for permission or be confronted by someone who doesn’t wish to be recorded. The ability to go unnoticed while filming others has reached unprecedented levels with these new devices.

Moreover, even those who prioritize the privacy of surrounding individuals report that Meta’s touchpad controls can be overly sensitive, leading to the glasses capturing images without the user’s intention, such as when they are simply adjusting the glasses.

Meta accumulates vast amounts of personal data. Despite the sheer volume of sensitive information it gathers, the company has not consistently proven itself capable of safeguarding it. Data breaches have occurred annually, including a notable incident in 2021 where data from 533 million users was exposed. Given Meta’s history, potential users should carefully consider whether they trust the company with additional sensitive information, especially knowing the risks of hacking.

While Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses may be more attractive than ever, increased adoption can lead to diminishing privacy for all of us. Fortunately, keen individuals can help protect themselves by removing personal data from public record databases.