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Meta disables cameras on thousands of AI glasses

Created at 2 Sep · 3:06 AM1 source↑ Market-relevant
IN SHORT

Meta has disabled the cameras on thousands of its AI glasses following a software update aimed at preventing users from tampering with the recording indicator lights. The company stated that this action impacted a small fraction of devices sold.

Key Numbers

less than 0.1%of Meta AI glasses affected by update

Who's Involved

Meta
Technology company disabling AI glasses cameras
Andrew Bosworth
Meta's CTO
Alex Himel
Meta's vice president of wearables
Meta disables cameras on thousands of AI glasses

↳ Why This Matters

Meta's decision to disable cameras on its AI glasses highlights the ongoing tension between technological innovation and user privacy, impacting the functionality of devices for a subset of users and raising questions about the company's approach to enforcing its privacy features.

Key facts

  • Meta has disabled cameras on thousands of its AI glasses.
  • The action was taken in response to users tampering with the recording indicator lights.
  • A recent software update prevents devices with disabled indicator lights from recording.
  • Users who drilled out the LED light will have their cameras permanently disabled.
  • Users who covered the light with a sticker can restore camera function by removing it.

Meta has disabled the cameras on thousands of its AI glasses following a recent software update designed to prevent users from tampering with the devices' recording indicator lights. The company confirmed the enforcement action, which impacted a small fraction of its AI glasses sold, as it seeks to address concerns about surreptitious recording.

Previously, users found ways to bypass the indicator light by covering it after recording had already begun. A new update now closes this loophole. For individuals who physically drilled out the LED light, the camera function will be permanently disabled. However, those who merely covered the light with a sticker can have their camera functionality restored by removing the sticker.

Meta's CTO, Andrew Bosworth, described the glasses as "the most privacy-forward camera" available to consumers, highlighting that unlike smartphones, they feature a light indicating when a photo or video is being captured. The company has also launched a public relations campaign, including billboards in Los Angeles, emphasizing that the eyewear is "designed for everyone" and not solely for the wearer.

Alex Himel, Meta's vice president of wearables, stated that only a small percentage of users were tampering with the hardware and that the company plans to continue rolling out updates to ensure the capture LED reliably alerts bystanders.

Frequently asked questions

Meta disabled cameras on thousands of AI glasses because users were tampering with the recording indicator lights, making it easier to record people surreptitiously.

The software update affected less than one tenth of a percent of all Meta AI glasses sold.

If the LED light was drilled out, the camera function is permanently disabled. If the light was covered with a sticker, camera function can be restored by removing the sticker.

What Happens Next

01Meta will continue to roll out updates to ensure the capture LED reliably alerts bystanders.

How It Developed

Meta announced efforts to prevent users from tampering with recording indicator lights on its AI glasses.
Meta confirmed it disabled cameras on thousands of devices via a software update.
The company stated the update affected less than 0.1% of Meta AI glasses sold.
A previous update detected light blockage only at the start of recording, allowing users to cover the light after starting.
The newest update closes this loophole, permanently disabling cameras for those who drilled out the LED light.
Users who covered the light with a sticker can regain camera function by removing the sticker.
Meta's vice president of wearables stated only a 'tiny minority' tampered with the hardware.

Sources

T1
Meta just bricked the cameras on thousands of its AI glassesBusiness Insider

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