Meta Platforms Upset Over Illegal Recording: AI Glasses Won't Record If the LED Is Removed [IT Item of the Day]

[Financial News] Meta Platforms has taken a hard line to prevent its latest artificial intelligence (AI) glasses from being misused for illegal recording. The company plans to roll out a software update that disables the camera function on devices whose LED, which indicates when recording is in progress, has been damaged or removed. It also intends to take legal action against those advertising modification services.
On the 10th, the IT industry said Meta Platforms recently explained the privacy protection features of its Meta AI glasses in a frequently asked questions (FAQ) page. The company said the glasses are equipped with a 'capture LED' that alerts people nearby when photos or videos are being taken. If the light is covered or damaged, the camera function is disabled.
The capture LED lights up briefly when taking photos and keeps blinking while recording video, and users cannot turn it off. If the device detects that the capture LED is covered, photo and video recording are automatically blocked. The feature was introduced with the second-generation AI glasses, and the system must confirm that the LED has returned to normal before recording can be used again.
However, some users have recently been modifying the devices by physically removing or damaging the LED. In response, Meta Platforms said it has strengthened the feature so that the camera is also disabled when tampering with or damage to the LED is detected. The update is being rolled out gradually as a 'mandatory update.'
Meta Platforms is also removing advertisements, posts, and marketplace listings that promote LED removal services. Accounts promoting such services will be blocked. The company stressed that it is also considering legal action against services advertised on external platforms, not just on its own platforms.


kaya@fnnews.com Choi Hye-rim Reporter