Meta Smartglasses Face Privacy Backlash Despite 7 Million 2025 Sales
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Aug 9
Meta Smartglasses Face Privacy Backlash Despite 7 Million 2025 Sales
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Aug 9
Summary
Content creators using Meta smartglasses are drawing heavy criticism over fears the devices enable non-consensual filming, with some apologizing and shelving the product after posting footage.
7 million pairs sold in 2025, but the backlash has intensified as women reported being recorded without consent and pickup-style creators posted public interactions filmed covertly.
UK venues including Wetherspoons, restaurants, theatres and pubs have banned the glasses over privacy concerns, while police in Scotland are investigating alleged misuse by a TikToker.
Meta says the glasses signal recording with a flashing LED and include tamper detection, adding a camera-disabling update if the light is blocked or destroyed.
Some users cite benefits such as live translation and accessibility for blind people, but critics say those uses are outweighed by surveillance risks in everyday public settings.