Meta shared Ray-Ban smart glass videos with Kenyan contractors without proper user consent
Meta subcontracted thousands of data annotators in Kenya to review raw video footage from Ray-Ban smart glasses for AI training, including intimate recordings of users showering, undressing and engaging in sexual activity. Users were largely unaware humans would view their footage, identity blurring frequently failed, and workers reported feeling pressured not to question ethical implications of the content.
What happened
An investigation by Swedish media outlets Svenska Dagbladet and Göteborgs-Posten revealed that thousands of data annotators working for Meta's subcontractor Sama in Nairobi, Kenya routinely reviewed raw footage captured by Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, including accidental and intimate recordings of users having showers, undressing, engaging in sexual activity and watching pornography.
Non-consenting third parties such as partners, family members, and bystanders were captured on footage and had their images reviewed by contractors without any knowledge or agreement. While Meta claimed to use AI-powered blurring to protect identities, workers reported that the anonymisation frequently failed, leaving faces and private environments clearly visible.
Reported impact
Workers said they witnessed glasses users going to the toilet and having sex, and that in some instances they could see sensitive data like bank cards including account numbers.
Meta ended its contract with Sama shortly after the allegations emerged, resulting in 1,108 workers being made redundant. A Kenyan workers' organisation alleged Meta's decision was retaliation for staff speaking out.
Index analysis
If users wanted to use AI features, they had to agree to Meta's terms of service allowing data captured to be reviewed by humans because Meta's large language models require people to annotate visual data. However, contractors said Meta failed to properly inform users that their footage would be seen by humans rather than just automated systems.
Whistleblowers said many of the videos appeared to be moments captured when users were not aware they were being recorded. Contractors described feeling pressured to process disturbing content without questioning ethical implications, with one worker explaining: 'You are not supposed to question it. If you start asking questions, you are gone.'
Governance controls
The UK Information Commissioners Office and the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner in Kenya both commenced investigations into privacy concerns following the Swedish media investigation.
Meta stated it had decided to end its work with Sama because they did not meet its standards, a criticism Sama rejected, saying it had consistently met operational, security and quality standards and was never notified of any failure to do so.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.