Meta reluctantly admits it trains AI models with photos taken by Ray-Ban smart glasses
Meta's new Ray-Ban smart glasses feature allows real-time AI analysis of what users are seeing, but raises privacy concerns as it continuously uploads image streams to Meta's servers for AI training without providing users a way to opt out of data collection.
Upgrade in Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
Last week, Meta announced a new feature during Meta Connect 2024 that enhances the capability of the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. This feature enables users to capture pictures using the smart glasses' camera and have Meta AI answer questions about them. To offer a more 'natural' experience, Meta is introducing a real-time AI-powered video capability, which can analyze a stream of images rather than just a single capture.
According to Meta, the updated Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can answer questions and describe what users are seeing. This differs significantly from having Meta AI analyze a previously captured image using the glasses' onboard camera.
Privacy Concerns
The distinction between answering a question about what users are seeing versus a picture they captured raises privacy concerns. The smart glasses do not actually see in the same way humans do; instead, they passively capture endless streams of images related to the user's queries.
By utilizing these features, users may unintentionally share various information with Meta, including images of personal belongings, faces of relatives, and other data they may prefer to keep private.
Data Usage by Meta
According to a help article from Meta, all images processed with AI, voice transcripts, and related data are stored and utilized to enhance Meta products. This data is also used to train and refine Meta's AI models with the assistance of trained reviewers.
Conclusion
This practice of training AI models with images taken by Ray-Ban smart glasses highlights ongoing concerns about data privacy and user consent in the tech industry. It underscores the importance of transparency and control over personal data, especially in the context of emerging technologies like AI-powered smart glasses.
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