Meta is attempting to soften the "creepy" reputation of its AI glasses by rolling out an update that disables the camera if the LED recording indicator has been tampered with. The change responds to concerns that the devices—promoted as fashionable accessories by figures such as Kylie Jenner—can be misused as covert surveillance tools, particularly against women. However, the article argues that Meta's wider AI strategy pulls in the opposite direction, with the company simultaneously pushing features that require users to hand over more personal data.

Meta admits the safeguard was prompted by people covering the LED with tape and then making "sophisticated efforts" to modify or destroy the light, effectively confirming that some users intend to record others without consent. Despite this, Meta is reportedly testing a prototype that would continuously collect audio and take photos every few seconds, according to the Financial Times. The piece also notes ongoing lawsuits and investigations—including one tied to Kenyan contractors who allegedly viewed graphic content while training Meta's AI—and points to same-day announcements that Meta AI can use public Instagram photos to generate images unless users opt out, echoing the company's history of privacy controversies dating back to Cambridge Analytica.