Using Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses? Here’s why you should worry about your privacy

Using Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses? Here’s why you should worry about your privacy
HIGHLIGHTS

Are you using Meta's AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses, there’s an important thing that you need to consider: your privacy.

When asked whether the company planned to train AI models using the photos collected from Ray-Ban users, Meta declined to provide a clear answer.

While it's not clear if Meta is using Ray-Ban data for training its AI models, it’s essential for users to understand the risks associated with wearing these glasses.

Imagine wearing a pair of stylish glasses that can capture moments effortlessly—sounds cool, right? But when it comes to Meta’s AI-powered Ray-Ban glasses, there’s an important thing that you need to consider: your privacy. While these smart glasses promise to enhance your experience with features like voice commands, they come with significant privacy concerns that users should be aware of.

The Ray-Ban glasses have a discreet camera on the front, designed not only to take pictures when you ask but also to capture images automatically when certain keywords trigger the AI, like “look.” This means the glasses could potentially snap countless photos without you even realizing it. But what happens to these images after they are taken? That’s where things get blurry. 

Also read: Here’s a closer look at Meta’s upcoming true AR smart glasses

When TechCrunch asked Meta whether it planned to train AI models using the photos collected from Ray-Ban users, the company declined to provide a clear answer. Senior director Anuj Kumar and spokesperson Mimi Huggins both avoided the question, with Huggins stating, “we’re not saying either way.” This lack of transparency raises serious questions about how your private moments could be used.

The concern is amplified by Ray-Ban’s latest feature that takes a continuous series of images. For instance, if you ask the glasses to help you choose an outfit by scanning your closet, they could be taking numerous photos of your personal space.

With a camera positioned on your face, the potential for privacy invasion is high. Just think back to the mixed reactions towards Google Glass when it first launched—many people were uncomfortable with the idea of being recorded without their consent. You’d expect a company like Meta to assure users that their images and videos are secure and private. Unfortunately, that reassurance is missing.

In contrast, other AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI clearly state they do not train their models on user data, setting a standard for transparency. So, while it is not clear if Meta is using Ray-Ban data for training its AI models, it’s essential for users to understand the risks associated with wearing these smart glasses. Before you wear them on, think carefully about what you might be sharing without even knowing it.

Ayushi Jain

Ayushi Jain

Tech news writer by day, BGMI player by night. Combining my passion for tech and gaming to bring you the latest in both worlds. View Full Profile

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