US Senators launch inquiry into Meta privacy risks regarding smart glasses

US Senators Ron Wyden and Edward Markey have sent a formal inquiry to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding privacy concerns linked to the company’s smart glasses. The senators accused Meta of releasing a product “tailor-made for invading the privacy of its users and bystanders,” despite internal human rights assessments from 2021 that reportedly identified risks to women, children, and other vulnerable populations.

The inquiry follows various reports of the technology being used for non-consensual filming and sexual harassment. The senators are seeking clarification on how Meta evaluates privacy risks, what safeguards are in place, and how recordings are used for AI training. They have requested a response by November 25.

Additional concerns include reports of overseas contractors reviewing intimate footage, potential surveillance uses by government agents, and user claims that recent firmware updates caused the glasses to record conversations without consent. Meta has stated that the firmware issue has been addressed.