Meta's smart glasses, developed in collaboration with Ray-Ban, are facing increasing privacy pressure due to the spread of secretly filmed videos on social media platforms. Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently stated that the platform will remove content that exploits others or constitutes harassment, and Meta has already deleted some accounts of creators who violated these rules.
The platform has begun processing secretly filmed videos.
The backdrop to this crackdown is the continued spread of secretly filmed videos on social media platforms. Some bloggers and so-called "pickup artists" are using smart glasses to secretly record interactions with women in public places and then posting the videos online, raising concerns about privacy and harassment.
In response to related questions on Instagram Stories, Mosseri stated that videos using such content to harass others will be removed. The platform's actions also indicate that, with the enhanced capabilities of wearable devices, content moderation has expanded from traditional mobile phone shooting scenarios to more covert device usage methods.
Sales growth fuels controversy
Meta has been pushing AI glasses to become a mainstream consumer product for the past two years. After launching several new products in 2025, the company expanded its product line in June 2026, adding 3 new frames and a total of 26 styles, with a starting price of $299.
The report cited data showing that in the first quarter of 2026, shipments of displayless smart glasses increased by 167% year-on-year, reaching approximately 2.25 million units, with Meta accounting for about 69.2% of the market share. As these devices become more widespread, concerns about clandestine recording in public places are also rising.
Offline activities have begun to be restricted.
Meta stated that its product incorporates a privacy notification mechanism in its design. The company explained that when users take photos or videos, a white LED light on the glasses flashes and cannot be turned off, in order to those around them.
However, privacy advocates argue that such a warning is insufficient to dispel concerns. Unlike smartphones, smart glasses can record hands-free, making it difficult for bystanders to determine if the device is recording. Monopoly Events, a UK event organizer, banned Meta glasses and other wearable recording devices from its Comic-Con event this month.
Apple may focus on privacy as a selling point
The report also mentioned that Meta's current privacy controversy may leave room for competitors. Bloomberg previously reported that Apple plans to release its first smart glasses at WWDC next June, making privacy one of its key selling points.
According to current information, Apple's solution will also include a camera, speaker, and microphone, but will rely more on on-device AI processing and avoid introducing facial recognition and continuous recording features. As more manufacturers enter this market, privacy design is likely to become a key differentiator in the smart glasses competition.
