Meta is expected to launch two camera-free smart glasses to address privacy concerns

As market concerns over AI device privacy intensify, Meta Platforms (META.US) is expected to unveil new smart glasses at its annual Connect conference on Wednesday, including a model without a camera. Last year, Meta, in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica Group, saw a significant increase in smart glasses sales, exceeding 7 million units and establishing Meta’s dominance in this market. However, as these devices gain popularity, there is growing global concern over their ability to record people without their knowledge. In the UK, several restaurants, bars, and cinemas have restricted the use of such devices. These glasses also face lawsuits, including a proposed class action in California accusing Meta of misleading users regarding privacy protection and alleging that, once videos are uploaded to the server, human labelers responsible for training its AI reviewed and tagged people’s private moments (such as changing clothes). Meta denies these allegations and plans to contest them. The company is expected to launch two models of camera-free smart glasses, featuring Clubmaster and Burbank designs.