Meta's Ray-Ban Meta glasses raise significant privacy concerns due to the company's track record with user data protection. Unlike traditional cameras, these smart glasses collect various types of data depending on user settings and feature usage.

Regarding photo and video capture, Meta confirms that media stays on the user's device unless explicitly shared. However, users who opt into cloud media storage have their captures automatically stored on Meta's servers for 30 days. This setting is required for certain features like voice-sharing and autocapture. Importantly, Meta states it doesn't use photo or video content for advertising or AI training purposes.

Using Meta AI features comes with greater privacy tradeoffs. When users engage with camera-based AI like Live AI, images are captured and stored by Meta, sometimes reviewed by third-party contractors for AI training. Voice interactions are also recorded and transcribed by default, with US users unable to opt out of cloud storage (though EU users can). Users can manually delete recordings through the Meta AI app.

The glasses include LED indicators for recording, but reports show workarounds exist using aftermarket accessories. Meta has responded with software updates disabling cameras when tampering is detected, though enforcement remains challenging.