German human rights group Hate Aid has filed a criminal complaint against Meta, arguing that its smart glasses violate German privacy laws. The complaint targets Meta, eyewear partners Ray-Ban and Oakley, and several retailers. Hate Aid argues that selling devices with covert recording capabilities is a criminal offense and wants restrictions similar to those for dashcams and bodycams.

Meta responded that its glasses were “built with privacy safeguards from the ground up” beyond what smartphones offer, including an LED that flashes while recording and software that blocks camera use if tampered with. However, aftermarket accessories that block the light without triggering safeguards are already being sold, escalating the privacy arms race.

The bigger problem is that privacy settings protect the wearer, not bystanders who may not even know the glasses have cameras. In June, Meta quietly removed dormant facial-recognition code from the companion app after Wired discovered it. Concerns also arise from AI features: when users ask Meta AI about surroundings, data is sent to Meta for processing, with third-party contractors in Kenya reviewing sensitive material. Contractors reported seeing nudity, bathroom footage, and credit card numbers captured with the glasses.