Meta to launch camera-free glasses to dodge 'pervert glasses' accusations

Meta is preparing to launch camera-free smart glasses in an attempt to move past the 'pervert glasses' accusations that have plagued its Ray-Ban devices. The company wants to show it cares about privacy, but the move looks more like a PR play than a genuine shift in philosophy.

The backlash that led here

Since the 2021 launch of Ray-Ban Stories, Meta has faced reports of users recording people without consent. The term 'pervert glasses' caught fire on social media, and despite adding a recording LED, criticism persisted. Meta has consistently denied that its glasses are a privacy problem, but social and regulatory pressure has only grown.

The camera-free gambit

According to TechCrunch, Meta plans to sell a pair of smart glasses without a camera later this year. The device would keep audio and assistant features but remove any image-capture capability. No price or specs have been confirmed, but sources say the goal is to offer a "safe" alternative for privacy-conscious buyers. Meta has not commented officially on the name or exact date.

Will it work?

Removing the camera is a simple fix for a complex problem. Privacy advocates may see it as an empty gesture if Meta doesn't also address misuse of its other products. For consumers, camera-free glasses might be less useful and more expensive than earbuds with an assistant. My take: Meta is trying to deflect attention while still selling the camera-equipped Ray-Bans that actually drive revenue.

Industry implications

This move could pressure competitors like Snap or Apple to rethink their own camera-equipped wearables. If Meta sells millions of camera-free glasses, the market could split between 'safe' and 'invasive' devices. But it could also flop, proving most users prioritize functionality over others' privacy. Regulators in Europe and the US will be watching closely.

Ultimately, the question is whether Meta truly wants to protect privacy or just sell more devices. We'll know when we see the price and sales figures.

Source: TechCrunch