Burning Man Has a Meta AI Glasses Problem

As Burning Man approaches this summer, attendees find themselves grappling with the issue of Meta smart glasses. These camera-equipped frames have been the subject of controversy, leading some venues and events to ban their use. Basement, a popular New York City nightclub, recently announced it would permanently ban anyone wearing smart glasses.

However, Burning Man, a week-long event held annually in the Nevada desert, has taken a more measured approach. Organizers recently updated their official "survival guide," stating that wearing and using smart glasses is acceptable, provided consent is obtained before recording anyone in the frame. While fans have called for a stricter stance on Meta glasses, suggesting public shaming as a solution, others have expressed doubts about banning the devices entirely.

Burning Man, known for its "radical inclusion" ethos, finds itself in a tricky position, especially given its recent association with celebrities and tech elites, including Silicon Valley figures like Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg. The presence of such individuals, who are likely to wear smart glasses, clashes with the festival's more radical and anti-tech crowd.

It seems that the organizers have chosen to avoid a blanket ban, acknowledging the diversity of their attendees.