A German advocacy group, the European Center for Digital Rights (noyb), has lodged a criminal complaint against Meta over its AI-powered smart glasses. The complaint, filed with German prosecutors, alleges that the Ray-Ban Meta glasses violate European privacy laws by secretly recording audio and video without clear consent. The group claims the device’s design makes it impossible for bystanders to know when they are being recorded, infringing on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Meta has defended the glasses, stating they include a visible recording indicator light and comply with all applicable laws. However, noyb argues that the light is easily obscured and that the AI features enable continuous, surreptitious data collection. The complaint seeks to halt sales in the EU and impose fines.

This case highlights growing tension between tech giants and European regulators over emerging AI wearable technologies. Germany has been particularly active in enforcing digital privacy rules, and this criminal complaint could set a precedent for how smart glasses are treated under EU law.