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Meta addresses ‘pervert glasses’ reputation with a privacy fix and a new marketing campaign
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Meta is rolling out a critical privacy update for its AI-powered smart glasses to address a widespread privacy loophole that earned them the "pervert glasses" reputation. The company confirmed that a new software patch will now immediately disable the camera if the front-facing LED capture light is covered during an active recording. Alex Himel, Meta's vice president of augmented reality, announced the fix on the social media platform Threads.
This latest measure builds on previous efforts to protect bystander privacy. The glasses were already designed to stop recording if the LED was covered from the start. However, users discovered a workaround by starting a recording and then physically covering the blinking light to film covertly. This update closes that specific loophole.
The move comes as Meta faces significant global backlash over privacy and harassment concerns. Incidents of wearers recording people without consent and filming social media pranks on strangers have fueled a campaign against the devices. Recent reports about potential facial recognition features have further intensified these concerns among the public and privacy advocates.
To counter this narrative, Meta is launching a public awareness campaign focused on communities where its smart glasses are popular. A new billboard in Los Angeles prominently displays the device with a clear message: "The camera lets you capture the moment. The light lets everyone around you know when you do." Official videos are also emphasizing that the LED is a core safety feature.
Meta spokesperson Albert Aydin told The Verge that the campaign aims to educate people about the existing indicator light. The company maintains that only a "tiny minority" of users attempt to bypass these protections. Himel stated this fact demonstrates that Meta's built-in privacy measures are generally effective and will continue to be updated.
The future of Meta's smart glasses will likely involve a continued balancing act between innovative features and essential privacy safeguards. The company has pledged to keep releasing updates to ensure the capture LED reliably alerts bystanders. This commitment is crucial for rebuilding public trust and ensuring the technology's long-term acceptance.
