Study Finds 60% of 350 Meta Smart-Glasses Videos Show Harassment
Updated
Updated · ExtremeTech · Aug 14
Study Finds 60% of 350 Meta Smart-Glasses Videos Show Harassment
3 articles · Updated · ExtremeTech · Aug 14
Summary
Researchers at the University of Sydney found just under 60% of 350 covert-recording videos involving Meta smart glasses contained harassing behavior, according to a preprint published this week.
Of those videos, 43% drew insulting or derogatory comments aimed at unwitting female subjects, while comments remained open in more than 90% of cases, extending abuse long after posting.
The paper reviewed videos published between September 2023 and March 2024 and said self-described pickup artists often recorded interactions with women without permission or awareness.
Meta says a recording indicator LED alerts bystanders, but the study argues that shifts the burden to people being filmed and can be undermined by known methods of disabling the light.
The findings add to growing backlash against camera-equipped glasses, with the UK already banning them in venues including theaters, pubs, courtrooms and some private clubs.