Did someone wearing Meta Glasses film you today? Are you sure?

THE NEWS

What happened

Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses have achieved massive commercial success despite severe privacy controversies. The article details how vendors like 'Ghost Metas' modify devices to disable recording indicator lights, enabling covert surveillance. Investigations reveal Meta may store user recordings contrary to public assurances, and specific cases of non-consensual filming in homes and public spaces have led to class-action lawsuits against the tech giant.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses have become a privacy nightmare. While selling millions of units, reports show vendors disabling recording lights to enable covert filming. Investigations confirm Meta may store user recordings, violating their own privacy promises. A class-action lawsuit in San Francisco accuses the company of false advertising and turning users into surveillance tools. From strip clubs to private homes, the line between convenience and violation is blurring.

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

The main verified points:

• Meta sold approximately 7 million pairs of smartglasses in 2025, tripling sales from previous years.
• Vendors like 'Ghost Metas' modify glasses to disable the LED recording indicator light for roughly $100-$150 per pair.
• A joint investigation by Swedish newspapers revealed Meta stored recordings made by users, contradicting their privacy claims.
• Class-action lawsuits in San Francisco allege Meta engaged in false advertising regarding data privacy and user control.
• Specific incidents include a mother in Utah being secretly filmed during a Facebook Marketplace transaction at her home.
• Meta's CEO Mark Zuckerberg positions the glasses as a 'smartphone killer' intended to preserve social presence.