Lorde Criticizes Smart Glasses During Madrid Performance
During a performance at the Real Cool Festival in Madrid, singer Lorde publicly condemned the use of AI-enabled smart glasses. Addressing the crowd, the singer expressed concern regarding the difficulty of distinguishing between standard eyewear and devices equipped with cameras.
“Increasingly in our world it gets harder and harder to know what is real,” Lorde said during her set. “You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they’re wearing those fucked up fucking… Can I just say, for the record, fuck the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.”
While Lorde did not identify a specific manufacturer by name, her comments were delivered at a festival sponsored by Ray-Ban, which has collaborated with Meta on a popular line of AI-integrated smart glasses. The timing of the remarks was noted for its contrast to the festival’s programming; following Lorde’s performance, Blackpink’s Jennie—a global ambassador for Ray-Ban Meta—appeared on the same stage and was featured in promotional materials screened at the event.
A Growing Divide in Celebrity Endorsement
Lorde’s onstage remarks highlight a deepening cultural divide regarding wearable recording technology. The tech industry has seen significant celebrity involvement in promoting smart glasses, most notably through Kylie Jenner, who helped design the “Starfire Kylie Edition” of Meta’s glasses. This collaboration has been central to a major advertising push aimed at mainstreaming the devices. Conversely, other high-profile figures have joined Lorde in expressing public opposition.
Privacy Concerns and Regulatory Response
The backlash against smart glasses comes as manufacturers face mounting scrutiny over the ability of these devices to capture audio, video, and photos discreetly. Critics argue that the presence of cameras in eyewear creates an environment where individuals may be recorded without their consent, leading to broader concerns about social trust and privacy.
The issue has moved beyond public debate and into policy implementation. Beginning July 20, the New York court system will require visitors to surrender camera-equipped eyewear and headwear before entering courthouses. The policy is intended to prevent the covert recording of hearings, jurors, and staff, as officials have found that relying on indicator lights is insufficient for ensuring privacy in sensitive environments.
Technological Escalation and Industry Challenges
Meta is currently navigating multiple lawsuits and investigations related to the privacy of its smart glasses. In an effort to address concerns regarding covert recording, the company recently implemented a safety update that disables the camera if the device’s LED indicator light is tampered with. This update followed admissions that some users had attempted to mask the light to record without being detected.
Despite these privacy challenges, reports indicate that companies in the sector, including Meta, are continuing to develop advanced hardware. Meta is reportedly working on a “super-sensing” prototype capable of continuous audio recording and frequent photo capture.
As Google, Samsung, and other tech companies prepare to expand their presence in the smart glasses market, industry observers suggest that social perception may play a decisive role in the technology’s future. Historically, the failure of Google Glass a decade ago was largely attributed to negative social stigma rather than official regulation. Whether these new devices achieve mass adoption or face a similar rejection remains a point of significant uncertainty for the industry.
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