According to the New York Post, users of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses report that the devices record audio or video while in sleep mode.
Complaints surfaced in three separate Reddit threads where users described unauthorized audio and video capture by the glasses. One wearer said they observed the behavior on three pairs of Ray-Ban Meta glasses, including second- and third-generation models. That user linked the issue to a recent firmware update after which the glasses captured conversations without the ‘Hey Meta’ wake phrase.
The Meta AI app reportedly saved audio recordings and text transcripts of those unsolicited conversations in the user’s conversation history. The same user said Meta AI did not respond to them, and they never intentionally activated it, yet saw the white notification light activate while speaking normally. Another owner reported that after resetting the glasses the issue persisted, noting the LED lit up when they did not say ‘Hey Meta’. A third owner said the internal light randomly turns on without any input and does not produce the usual wake‑up sound.
A different Reddit user claimed the AI activated during random conversations and confirmed they own a second‑generation model. Meta representatives told the New York Post that the issue has been resolved and that users can manage, review and delete voice logs via settings. The article notes that nightclubs and several country governments have banned the glasses due to fears of covert surveillance. Brooklyn party promoter James said the glasses are very covert and likened them to pervert glasses for people who do not want to be observed while partying.
Meta has introduced software that prevents recording if something obscures the indicator light. AI specialist Dr. Roman Yampolskiy of the University of Louisville said no single kill switch is enough and recommended tamper‑resistant recording lights, automatic face blurring and meaningful penalties for abuse.
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