The hidden risks behind Meta’s AI glasses

The newest version of the Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses has arrived, blending classic eyewear with built-in cameras, microphones and an AI assistant you can activate hands-free. They can take photos, record video, identify objects and respond to real-time prompts, all without reaching for your phone.

But while the tech is impressive, the launch has sparked major discussions around privacy, compliance and the legal grey areas created by always-on AI in public spaces. For our Computing students who follow emerging tech closely, the questions surrounding these glasses are just as interesting as the features themselves.

The privacy debate

One of the biggest concerns around the new glasses is how easily they allow someone to capture audio or video of the people around them. There is an LED light that indicates when the camera is on, but critics argue it’s too subtle to offer meaningful notice. The problem? Most people have no idea they’re being recorded.

The risk however goes beyond everyday filming, Meta's glasses can feed images and audio into AI tools. AI can transcribe conversations, identify objects and, in some cases, help link footage with information found online. The jump from “smart accessory” to “portable surveillance device” becomes surprisingly small.

For organisations, governments and regulators, this raises difficult questions ranging from consent to data privacy. These concerns aren’t new, but making wearable AI both affordable and discreet has made them far more urgent.

Data storage and AI training

Another key issue is how the data is handled once it’s captured. Reports surrounding recent updates suggest that some AI and data-saving features may be turned on by default, meaning conversations, images and voice interactions could be stored unless users proactively opt out.

Within regions governed by strong privacy regulations, such as GDPR in the UK, this creates potential legal conflict. Even if you choose to record, it doesn’t automatically mean the bystanders in your photos or videos have legally consented.

This introduces a puzzle with real implications for:

• data protection rules

• user responsibility

• the legality of AI processing in public spaces

Wearable devices like these often sit in a grey zone where old laws struggle to keep up with new technology.

So what does this mean for everyday use on campus?

Universities are naturally social spaces, classrooms, common areas, labs, cafés. The introduction of discreet recording devices brings practical considerations.

Most campuses require clear consent for recording anyone in teaching spaces, and the ability to quietly record audio or video could lead to policy changes or restrictions. For example:

• Can the glasses be used during lectures?

• Are they allowed in exam or assessment settings?

• Does filming in communal areas breach privacy expectations?

These are the types of questions institutions across the country are now being forced to address.

The rules are still catching up

The Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses are a strong example of just how quickly consumer technology is evolving. They’re stylish, powerful and undeniably impressive, but they also sit at the centre of a complex space where innovation, personal privacy and legal responsibility collide.

For students who follow cutting-edge tech, it’s a reminder that the conversation around AI isn’t just about what these tools can do. It’s also about how we use them responsibly, ethically and within the boundaries of the law.

As wearable AI continues to grow, these questions won’t go away, and the answers will shape how society navigates the next generation of smart devices.