‘People were giving me dirty looks': the backlash against Meta smartglasses

The article highlights growing backlash against Meta’s AI smart glasses, which many critics and users now label “pervert glasses” or “spy glasses” because they can quietly record video in public. While Meta positions the product as a mainstream consumer gadget, the piece emphasizes reputational risk from privacy concerns, especially fears that women and other bystanders can be filmed without consent and that footage may be posted online. Influencers who promoted the device report heavy criticism, follower losses, and in some cases public apologies. The backlash has already translated into real-world usage limitations, with some restaurants, pubs and theatres in the UK banning the glasses. Meta says it has built in privacy safeguards such as a recording light and tamper detection, but the negative public perception suggests the product could face adoption headwinds despite reportedly strong sales of 7 million pairs in 2025.