started · updated
Meta and Apple face privacy scrutiny over smart device data collection
Investigations have revealed significant privacy concerns regarding smart wearable devices from Meta and Apple. A journalistic report in early 2026 found that data annotators at Sama, a Meta subcontractor in Nairobi, Kenya, reviewed highly intimate videos captured by Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to train AI models.
In response to the scandal, Meta terminated its contract with Sama, leading to the dismissal of over 1,100 employees. The incident has triggered investigations by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and Kenyan data protection authorities. Additionally, Meta faces a class-action lawsuit in the United States alleging deceptive advertising regarding its privacy claims.
Simultaneously, new Apple Watch models, including the Series 12 and Ultra 4, have introduced smart audio features such as 'Live Rewind' and 'Siri Recap.' These tools, which provide transcriptions and conversation summaries, raise concerns about passive data collection and potential violations of wiretapping laws requiring consent from all parties.
Entities
Apple · Information Commissioner's Office · Meta · Nairobi · SAMA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] A class-action lawsuit for deceptive advertising has been filed against Meta in the United States. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The cancellation of the Meta contract resulted in the dismissal of more than 1,100 workers at Sama. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] The UK Information Commissioner's Office and Kenyan data protection authorities have opened investigations into the matter. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Meta canceled its contract with Sama following the scandal. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] A journalistic investigation into Sama, a Meta subcontractor in Nairobi, revealed that data annotators reviewed highly intimate videos. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] Apple Watch Series 12 and Ultra 4 have begun marketing smart audio tools like 'Live Rewind' and 'Siri Recap'. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es
- [● 3 SOURCES] More than seven million units of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been sold worldwide. www.farodevigo.es · www.elperiodicoextremadura.com · www.laopinioncoruna.es