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Alex Himel Announces Meta Software Update to Close Privacy Loophole in AI Smart Glasses

Meta is rolling out a software update to address privacy concerns regarding its AI-powered smart glasses. Alex Himel, Meta’s executive vice president of wearables, confirmed that the update closes a loophole where users could covertly record others by covering the front-facing LED light after a recording began. The new firmware ensures that the camera will stop working if the light is covered during a recording, providing a reliable alert to bystanders. This update follows a period of significant backlash, with some users labeling the devices "pervert glasses" due to non-consensual recordings. To mitigate these concerns, Meta is also launching an awareness campaign, including billboards in Los Angeles, to educate the public on the LED light's functionality. While the update addresses immediate user behavior, a nationwide class action lawsuit alleges that Meta has misled consumers about privacy risks, specifically regarding human data annotators in Kenya reviewing footage. Additionally, data regulators in the European Union are probing the technology's privacy implications, with Germany considering a potential ban on the glasses.

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