Meta launches Kylie Jenner-designed smart glasses amid privacy backlash

Kylie Jenner introduced a new line of Meta smart glasses, marketed as a fashion accessory and promoted through her Instagram presence. The oval‑framed frames quickly became a flash point, drawing criticism for their built‑in camera and AI capabilities. Critics labeled the product “predator glasses” and a British advocacy group placed bus ads in London proclaiming “we’re always watching you.”

The controversy centers on concerns about covert recording, consent and the so‑called “digital consent crisis.” Reports note that some users remove or obscure the device’s privacy‑LED indicator to film people without permission, prompting Meta to add notifications when the light is disabled. The debate reflects broader anxieties about surveillance technology and AI‑enhanced wearables.

Despite the outcry, the glasses sold millions of units last year, and Jenner’s campaign has spurred widespread public discussion about the balance between convenience, style and privacy.