Arabic version: تزايد المخاوف بشأن الخصوصية مع شعبية نظارات ميتا الذكية

Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses are facing increasing scrutiny as reports emerge of privacy violations linked to their use. Women have reported being filmed without their consent by men wearing these glasses, leading to videos being shared online without their knowledge. According to BBC News, victims often find it difficult to seek legal recourse due to the legality of public photography.

Despite these concerns, Meta’s smart glasses dominate the market, estimated to make up more than 80% of all AI or smart glasses sales. The glasses, developed in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, feature a discreet camera and audio capabilities, allowing users to record video or take photos with ease. However, the unobtrusive design has raised alarms about unintentional recordings, even among the wearers themselves.

Meta has been criticized following lawsuits filed by users who were unaware their footage was being recorded and shared for AI training. The company claims users are informed about potential video reviews in its terms of service. Nevertheless, sales of the glasses continue to rise, with seven million pairs sold to date.

As other tech giants like Apple and Snap prepare to launch their own versions of smart glasses, concerns about privacy and misuse are expected to intensify. Experts predict that if these products gain similar popularity, enforcing privacy norms in public spaces could become increasingly challenging.

Meta markets its glasses as “Designed for privacy, controlled by you,” yet many users reportedly ignore guidelines to avoid recording in sensitive situations. The rise in prank videos recorded with these glasses further complicates the conversation around their ethical use. As societal attitudes toward privacy evolve, experts warn that backlash against such technologies is likely to grow.