Meta plans camera-free AI glasses amid privacy and harassment concerns

### Meta Reportedly Develops Camera-Free Smart Glasses Amid Privacy Backlash

Meta is reportedly developing a new version of its smart glasses without a built-in camera, as concerns continue to grow over privacy and the potential misuse of wearable recording technology.

The reported move comes after Meta’s camera-equipped smart glasses gained popularity but also faced criticism from people worried that the devices could be used to record others without their knowledge.

The company’s existing smart glasses have performed strongly in the wearable technology market, but their recording capabilities have also generated controversy over privacy in public spaces.

According to reports, Meta is preparing a camera-free model internally known as Project Luna, which could be introduced as early as next week during the company’s Meta Connect event.

Unlike the current generation, the proposed glasses would reportedly remove the camera hardware, eliminating the ability to capture photographs or first-person video directly through the device.

The development follows reports of people using camera-equipped smart glasses to record others without permission, contributing to concerns about how wearable cameras could affect privacy in everyday environments.

The controversy has reportedly created a perception among some members of the public that camera-equipped smart glasses can be intrusive, particularly when people nearby cannot easily determine whether they are being recorded.

Meta has also reportedly explored measures to prevent misuse of its existing glasses, including a potential “kill switch” and the ability to remotely disable devices associated with abusive behavior.

Despite removing the camera, the proposed Luna glasses would continue to include several microphones.

Reports indicate that the device could feature six microphones, allowing users to communicate with Meta’s artificial intelligence systems and access its AI assistant, Muse.

The removal of the camera therefore would not completely eliminate privacy concerns surrounding the wearable.

Privacy advocates have pointed out that microphones can potentially capture sounds from surrounding environments, including conversations involving people who may not realize that audio is being picked up.

The reported product development comes amid broader scrutiny of Meta’s handling of biometric and facial-recognition technologies.

A proposed class-action lawsuit has accused the company of obtaining biometric information from photographs posted on Facebook and Instagram for use in developing facial-recognition capabilities for its smart glasses.

Meta’s broader wearable strategy has increasingly focused on integrating artificial intelligence into everyday devices, allowing users to interact with digital assistants without reaching for a smartphone.

The camera-free model would represent a different approach by placing greater emphasis on AI interaction rather than visual recording.

For Meta, the product could also provide an opportunity to test whether consumers are interested in smart glasses primarily as AI companions rather than as wearable cameras.

The decision comes as technology companies continue exploring ways to make AI assistants more accessible through devices worn throughout the day.

Removing the camera could make the glasses more socially acceptable in situations where recording devices are viewed with suspicion.

At the same time, the continued presence of multiple microphones means questions about consent and ambient audio could remain part of the privacy debate.

The reported launch of Project Luna has not yet been confirmed by Meta, and details including pricing, availability and final specifications remain unclear.

If introduced, the camera-free glasses could provide an important test of consumer demand for AI-focused wearable technology without the recording capabilities associated with Meta’s current smart glasses.