Meta embeds face‑recognition code in upcoming AI glasses

Meta has quietly added a face‑recognition module, named “NameTag,” to the software that runs its AI‑enabled glasses. The code can capture biometric facial data from the glasses’ camera, compare it with stored profiles on a linked smartphone and alert the wearer when a match is found. The feature is not yet active for consumers, but security researchers say only a few components remain before it could operate fully.

A leaked internal memo reveals that Meta’s Reality Labs division plans a broader launch of AI wearables. New glasses models—codenamed “Modelo,” “Luna,” “RBM2 Refresh,” “Mojito VIP,” as well as prototypes “Artemis” and “SSG”—are slated for release throughout 2026 and 2027. The company is also testing an AI‑enabled pendant. The memo targets sales of ten million devices by year‑end and a shift toward monetising subscription‑based AI services on the platform.

These developments come as Meta seeks to turn its wearables into a profit centre after years of losses in the VR and AR markets, while privacy advocates warn the emerging facial‑recognition capability could be misused for surveillance.