Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses used for non-consensual filming and data review
Lawsuits were filed against Meta after reports that Ray-Ban smart glasses, which hold over 80% of the smart glasses market, were used to film women without consent in public and their videos were shared with workers in Kenya for AI training without user knowledge. Women who discovered their recordings online reportedly had limited legal options despite facing abuse.
What happened
Women were approached by men wearing Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses who filmed them without knowledge or consent in public settings, often in response to casual questions or pick-up lines. The women discovered the videos only after they were posted online and had gained traction, sometimes accompanied by abuse.
Workers in Kenya tasked with watching videos made through Meta's glasses to create AI training data reported being required to watch graphic content including sexual and bathroom usage footage. Two lawsuits were filed: in one, people claimed they had no idea such videos had been made, and in the other, they said they did not know their videos were being shared by the company for human review.
Reported impact
Women targeted by non-consensual recordings experienced online abuse when videos were posted. Victims reportedly had little legal recourse as photography in public is broadly considered legal, and one woman was told removal of her secret recording was 'a paid service'.
Meta's Ray-Ban glasses have become the most popular smart glasses on the market, estimated to represent more than 80% of all AI or smart glasses sales, with seven million pairs sold as of May 2026.
Index analysis
The almost invisible camera in Meta's glasses frames enables covert recording that can be started with a casual touch. The unobtrusive nature of the camera meant even wearers have been caught off guard by what, when, and where they were recording.
Governance controls
Meta has stated that users were made aware of the possibility of human review in some circumstances in its terms of service. Meta spokesman Tracy Clayton told the BBC that the company has teams dedicated to limiting and combating misuse, but said the onus is on individual people to not actively exploit the technology.
Classification
Sources and evidence
Sources not yet published
This record was researched and written by the Index from original reporting. Its sources are still being verified by an editor, and they are listed here once that check is complete. Until then the record carries no reviewer.