Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, marketed as privacy-conscious assistants, have sparked controversy after Kenyan workers revealed they regularly review deeply private footage. The glasses, promoted by Mark Zuckerberg as revolutionary AI wearables, are trained using data annotated by Sama workers in Nairobi who describe seeing intimate moments including bathroom visits, sex scenes, and visible bank cards.

These data annotators, employed by Meta subcontractor Sama, work under strict confidentiality agreements in facilities with cameras monitoring their every move. They describe reviewing videos that appear to come from Western homes, including content showing people naked, having sex, or watching pornography while wearing the glasses. Workers say they feel uncomfortable but must continue due to fear of losing their jobs and returning to poverty.

The privacy concerns extend to retail sales, where shop assistants often provide misleading information about data sharing. Despite claims that users have full control over their data, Meta's system requires multiple app approvals before AI functions activate. Sales have tripled to seven million units in 2025, with Swedish retailers like Synsam and Synoptik selling the glasses while giving customers false assurances about data privacy.