Meta Glasses' light to indicate recording is 'not easily visible' says German government report
Meta has updated its Meta Glasses to stop a malicious secret recording strategy, but critics say it isn't enough to stop surreptitious or non-consented filming.
Meta's glasses now contain a feature to prevent surreptitious recording by turning off the camera when the capture LED light is covered, but a German government report suggests the light is not visible enough to ensure privacy. The Hamburg Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information found that the LED light is too faint and narrow for most environments, making it difficult for others to notice it's recording.
The second-generation glasses even don't glow at all when the wearer asks about something nearby. Privacy advocates recommend providing additional consent measures, such as text notifications or signage, rather than relying on the light alone. French privacy laws are particularly strict, requiring explicit consent from minors and penalties for invasion of privacy.
While US law is less stringent, the report emphasizes the importance of obtaining informed consent, especially when filming others who are not close friends or family.
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