Meta has removed a controversial face-recognition feature from its smart glasses application, following revelations by WIRED that the technology was embedded in the company's AI platform. The code, which allowed users to identify and track faces through the glasses' camera, has vanished from the latest version of Meta AI, the companion app for the company's smart glasses.
Code Disappeared After Investigation
The removal comes after WIRED's investigation uncovered that the face-recognition system was still present in Meta's software, despite the company's previous claims that such features were not included. The technology, which was reportedly designed to help users identify people in their field of view, was found in the app's codebase even though it wasn't accessible to users in the latest version. Meta has not provided a clear explanation for why the code was removed or whether it will be reintroduced in the future.
Privacy Concerns and Industry Scrutiny
This development adds to growing scrutiny of Meta's approach to privacy and data collection, particularly as smart glasses technology becomes more prevalent. The face-recognition system raises significant concerns about surveillance and user consent, especially given the sensitive nature of facial data. Industry experts are watching closely to see if Meta will provide more transparency about its AI development practices and how it balances innovation with user privacy.
Meta's decision to remove the code, without explanation, has left many questions unanswered. The company's silence on the matter has only intensified speculation about its future plans for smart glasses and AI features.
