Meta is updating its privacy settings for smart glasses. The company rolled out changes that stop recordings if the capture LED is covered, even after recording has started. This closes a loophole that let users bypass the light meant to warn people nearby.
Meta’s VP of AR, Alex Himel, said the update makes sure the LED always signals when photos or videos are being taken. If the LED is blocked, tampered with, or destroyed, the camera will shut down. CTO Andrew Bosworth added that the light “is there for everyone” and cannot be turned off.
The company’s privacy page advises users to switch off the glasses in sensitive spaces and reminds them not to record in places where they wouldn’t use a phone. Meta also claims only the wearer can see captured content, though past reports suggest human moderators have reviewed some material.
Meta has suspended accounts misusing the glasses, but not all offenders have been caught. The company says only a small number of people try to bypass protections, pointing to the need for safeguards.
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These changes come as venues adopt stricter rules for these devices. The updates are rolling out now, with more enforcement expected as scrutiny of smart glasses grows.
