Meta plans to launch camera-free smart glasses named Luna to tackle privacy concerns linked to its previous models.
In a move aimed at addressing increasing privacy concerns, Meta is preparing to launch a new model of smart glasses that will not include a camera. Sources familiar with the situation, as reported by The Information, indicate that these glasses, codenamed Luna, could be available for purchase as soon as October.
The Luna glasses will feature six microphones for voice commands and will work with Meta's AI assistant named Muse, activated by a button on the side of the frames. The design will also incorporate speakers similar to those on the existing Ray-Ban Meta glasses but will sport slimmer temples. Two design variations, dubbed Clubmaster and Burbank, are in development.
While the official announcement for Luna is pending, it is anticipated that the unveiling could happen during the Meta Connect conference on September 23-24.
Privacy Concerns with Previous Models
The original Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which included a camera, faced backlash after incidents where individuals were recorded without their consent. Reports surfaced of videos on social media showing men discreetly filming women, leading to significant public outcry. For instance, one video featuring a woman from London went viral, exposing her personal information and resulting in unwanted attention.
Despite Meta's defense citing the presence of a recording indicator light, investigations revealed that instructions on how to disable this feature were circulating online. Many individuals reported not noticing the indicator at all.
In response to these concerns, Meta announced plans to enhance privacy features in its second-generation glasses, including a system to automatically turn off the camera if the indicator light is obstructed or tampered with. The company emphasized its commitment to detecting any tampering and indicated that it would take action against those promoting methods to bypass privacy protections.
"We are continuously improving our ability to detect tampering. Now, the glasses will disable the camera if they detect that the indicator has been physically altered or destroyed," stated a Meta representative.
Regulatory Scrutiny and Legal Challenges
Meta is currently under investigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is looking into whether the company misled consumers regarding the collection of personal data through its devices. Additionally, there are ongoing legal challenges related to the transmission of sensitive data to contractors in Kenya, raising further concerns about privacy practices.
Internationally, the German human rights organization HateAid has filed a complaint against Meta, citing violations of local data protection laws due to the covert recording capabilities of its glasses. Australia is also contemplating banning camera-equipped glasses in government buildings, while similar restrictions have already been imposed in schools in Oslo and courts in England and Wales.
Moreover, a new Android app has been introduced that detects the presence of smart glasses, searching for devices from Meta and other manufacturers through Bluetooth, although it does not confirm whether recording is occurring at that time.
