US Senators Ron Wyden (D-Or) and Edward Markey (D-Ma) are formally investigating what they describe as serious privacy and safety risks associated with Meta's AI smart glasses. In a letter addressed to Mark Zuckerberg, the lawmakers stated that the devices have been increasingly implicated in disturbing invasions of privacy affecting both users and bystanders. They further noted that Meta proceeded with the product launch despite having identified potential risks to bystander privacy.
The senators highlighted specific incidents where the eyewear was used for harassment, citing reports from 404 Media and the BBC regarding men secretly filming women and posting the recordings online. Additionally, they referenced other reports and a lawsuit alleging that Meta's AI contractors reviewed footage captured by the glasses depicting individuals undressing or engaging in sexual activity.
In their inquiry, Wyden and Markey requested specific answers from Meta regarding accidental camera activation and potential tampering with recording indicators. They also asked whether the glasses automatically blur faces and license plates during certain AI interactions, similar to features found on Facebook and Instagram. The letter seeks clarification on when imagery is accessible to employees or contractors and how it is utilized for training AI models. Furthermore, citing Meta's own internal documents, the senators questioned whether the company conducted detailed human rights due diligence and safety testing prior to releasing the product.
The lawmakers have set a deadline of Thanksgiving, November 26, 2026, for Meta to respond to these inquiries. Beyond the issues raised by the senators, other concerns have emerged regarding the devices. Users have reported that firmware updates caused the glasses to record conversations without consent, while the devices have been observed on ICE agents during raids. Additionally, the New York City Police's counterterrorism unit reportedly raised surveillance concerns about the technology earlier this year. In October, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have banned the use of wearables for secretly recording others in private business areas.
Wyden and Markey emphasized their determination to hold Meta accountable, stating that the company's commitment to privacy and preventing intimate image abuse appears hollow if it cannot demonstrate meaningful steps to stop its products from facilitating such harms.
Sources: Engadget.