Meta’s Sneaky Move: Smart Glasses Collecting More Data by Default
In a move that’s raising eyebrows, Meta has quietly informed its Ray-Ban smart glasses customers that it’s increasing the amount of data it collects by default. The change, which was sent out via email, will see Meta storing voice recordings and camera data without users’ explicit consent. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of this change and explore what it means for your privacy.
The Changes in a Nutshell
For those who own Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, you’ll soon notice that the default settings have changed. Here’s what’s new:
- Voice recordings are now stored by default when using Meta AI, and are used to improve Meta products.
- The option to disable voice recording storage has been eliminated, and recordings must be manually deleted in settings.
- The “camera use” setting for Meta AI is now enabled by default, allowing Meta to collect camera data.
What Does This Mean for Your Privacy?
So, what does this mean for your privacy? In short, it means that Meta is collecting more data than ever before, and you have limited control over it. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening:
- When you use Meta AI, your voice recordings are stored and used to improve Meta products. This includes voice commands, like “Hey Meta, record a video.”
- Camera data is also being collected, even when you’re not actively using the camera. This data can be used to improve Meta’s services, including its AI training.
- Uploading images and videos to Instagram and other Meta apps also gives Meta access to your data.
What Can You Do to Protect Your Privacy?
While Meta’s changes may seem concerning, there are steps you can take to protect your privacy:
- Turn off Meta AI entirely on your Ray-Ban glasses and use manual controls for snapping photos and videos.
- Review Meta’s privacy policy to understand what data is being collected and how it’s being used.
- Consider deleting your voice recordings and camera data regularly to minimize the amount of data being collected.
The Bigger Picture: AI and Data Collection
Meta’s changes are just the latest example of how AI is being used to collect and analyze our data. As AI becomes more prevalent in our daily lives, it’s essential to be aware of how our data is being used and to take steps to protect our privacy.
Conclusion
Meta’s changes to its Ray-Ban smart glasses may seem like a minor issue, but they’re a reminder of the importance of protecting our privacy in the age of AI. By being aware of these changes and taking steps to protect our data, we can ensure that our personal information remains private and secure.
Summary
Meta has changed the default settings on its Ray-Ban smart glasses, collecting more data by default. Voice recordings and camera data are now stored and used to improve Meta products. To protect your privacy, turn off Meta AI, use manual controls, and review Meta’s privacy policy. Remember, AI is being used to collect and analyze our data, and it’s essential to be aware of these changes to protect our privacy.