A class-action lawsuit has been filed against Meta in the United States, accusing the company of misleading consumers about the privacy protections of its AI-powered smart glasses. The complaint, submitted by residents of New Jersey and California, claims that Meta’s advertising overstated the safeguards for user footage, which has been reviewed by contractors abroad without clear disclosure.
The legal action stems from a Swedish media probe that exposed how employees at a Kenyan firm, hired by Meta, examined video clips captured by the glasses. These included highly personal scenes, such as individuals undressed, engaged in sexual activity or in private bathroom moments. Although Meta stated it applies face-blurring technology to the material, reports indicated the measure often failed to obscure identities effectively. The revelations led Britain’s Information Commissioner’s Office to launch its own inquiry into the practices.
Filed on behalf of Gina Bartone and Mateo Canu by the Clarkson Law Firm, which has pursued similar cases against companies like Apple, Google and OpenAI, the suit targets Meta and its eyewear collaborator Luxottica of America. It argues that promotional materials for the Ray-Ban Meta glasses emphasized user control and privacy features, with slogans asserting the devices were “designed for privacy, controlled by you” and “built for your privacy.” The plaintiffs say they relied on these assurances and found no warnings about human oversight of sensitive recordings in distant locations.
More than seven million units of the glasses sold in 2025, feeding a vast stream of user-generated content into Meta’s systems for analysis. According to the complaint, buyers have no choice but to allow this processing. It cites specific ads highlighting data control, privacy settings and extra security layers, including one that declares, “You’re in control of your data and content,” while noting that wearers decide what to share.
Meta has declined to comment directly on the pending case. However, company representative Christopher Sgro addressed the broader concerns, explaining that the glasses enable hands-free AI interactions with the surroundings. He added that captured media remains on the user’s device unless shared, and when content is sent to Meta AI, contractors may review it to enhance functionality, a common industry practice. Sgro emphasized efforts to screen data, safeguarding privacy and blocking identifiable details from scrutiny.
Meta’s privacy documents outline these reviews. For instance, the company’s U.S. AI policy notes that interactions with its AIs, including conversation content, may undergo automated or manual evaluation. A comparable U.K. version appears in regional terms. The firm referred inquiries to its supplemental terms of service, though the human review disclosure is detailed in AI-specific guidelines.
The controversy reflects growing unease over wearable tech’s intrusion into daily life, often dubbed “luxury surveillance.” Innovations like AI necklaces that listen constantly have fueled criticism, alongside tools such as a recent application that alerts users to nearby smart glasses via Bluetooth detection.
