Meta tests artificial intelligence glasses with "super sensing" function that can record every moment
Meta is testing a prototype AI smart glasses equipped with “super sensing” capabilities. The device has a built-in camera and recording module that can record what the wearer sees and hears at every moment. Meta’s move is intended to enter the controversial all-weather audio-visual smart hardware track. The $1.5 trillion social media giant is developing a new generation of smart glasses hardware: devices that will continuously record ambient sounds and automatically snap photos every few seconds, according to multiple people familiar with the matter. Users can later use artificial intelligence to retrieve what they saw and heard that day, or recall their experiences throughout the day. The glasses have sparked heated debate within the company, centered on how to deal with new privacy conundrums, the most prominent of which is that others may view the device as invasive. Meta's existing AI smart glasses frames are equipped with indicator lights on the corners. When the wearer takes a photo or video, the light will light up to alert the surrounding people. But multiple people familiar with the matter said the executive team plans to turn off the indicator light when the super-sensing feature is turned on. As a result, it would be difficult for passers-by to realize that they are being filmed or recorded, which may further exacerbate privacy concerns about the device. However, several sources said that there is still room for adjustment in this plan. People familiar with the matter also mentioned that Meta’s existing glasses can also be updated through software to unlock this set of super sensing functions. Privacy experts point out that around-the-clock recording equipment may violate data privacy laws and biometric information-related regulations. In addition, once there is an illegal situation related to eavesdropping, the responsibility is not clear: the laws of many states in the United States stipulate that recording other people’s audio without the other party’s permission is illegal, and it is temporarily impossible to determine whether the responsibility should be borne by the company or the wearer. Many industry insiders are calling for the introduction of new regulations to regulate this emerging field. Woodrow Hartzog, a professor at Boston University School of Law, said: "Currently there is no law that can cover the various risks hidden in the design and manufacturing of such equipment. Legislators must face up to this problem and update regulations to adapt to the reality of the popularity of all-weather, uninterrupted shooting equipment." Meta’s existing Ray-Ban smart glasses will not light up when the user uses AI to ask about the surrounding environment. Meta explained in a 2025 policy document: "If the indicator light flashes for a long time every time when AI interaction is started, people will gradually become numb, and it will be difficult to realize that the user is shooting retained image material." However, the company added that when the glasses run artificial intelligence functions, it will "take steps to protect people's privacy, such as clearing key personally identifiable information."