Ever since Meta launched its first smart glasses developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban, they have built a reputation as a creep’s weapon. The outrage is justified, as a lot of people are not comfortable being recorded or captured without being told about it. Now, Meta is taking concrete steps to make sure that the camera-equipped smart glasses do not violate any person’s privacy. To that end, the company has announced that it will disable the onboard camera on its smart glasses if someone covers or tampers with the white LED indicator light.
What’s happening?
Meta argues that the white LED indicator serves as an alert signal for any other person who might be in the field of view. “We are continuouslyimproving our ability to detect tampering, and now we’re updating the glasses to disable the camera if they detect the LED was physically tampered with or destroyed. No other kind of camera has done this, and we’re proud to lead the industry forward,” the company said in an official announcement.
Meta says that it is updating the smart glasses to ensure that if the LED system is physically disabled or covered, the camera will be entirely disabled. The change will be first implemented on the second-generation Meta smart glasses. To recall, Meta now offers smart glasses that have been developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley. Just over a week ago, the company also introduced an in-house line-up that was developed without any third-party brand collaboration and with a lower asking price, as well.
Better late than never
Over the past few months, numerous reports have uncovered an underground market where owners of the Meta AI smart glasses can get the LED indicator lights disabled. Numerous listings have also been spotted on online platforms where such services have been offered. Meta is going to take action against such activities, as well.
Meta says that it is not only going to disable the camera capture on devices with a tampered or obstructed LED light. Going a step ahead, the company will remove all the ads, posts, and online listings on its platform that advertise such services. Additionally, the company says it will also be implementing a ban on accounts that offer such services and hopes to take legal action against entities or businesses that are doing it.