Meta is rolling out a new privacy setting that lets smart glasses users opt out of having their visual data stored and used for AI training, according to Business Insider. The update, first reported by Engadget, addresses growing scrutiny over how camera-equipped wearables collect and process everyday interactions.
How the Meta AI Opt-Out Works
Users who want to stop Meta from retaining visual information captured through AI features can adjust their preferences directly within the Meta AI app. Meta spokesperson Dina El-Kassaby confirmed the setting change to Business Insider. According to a company blog post, disabling the feature requires four distinct steps: opening the mobile application, accessing the glasses settings, locating “Meta AI” under the “Experiences” menu, and toggling off “Store visual data from AI experiences.”
Tech outlet Engadget noted that the adjustment prevents camera-based interactions from feeding machine learning models. The company stated that if an owner uses the glasses to translate a menu, for instance, that visual data fulfills the request and is then deleted without being reviewed by human contractors or saved for product improvement.
The Privacy Backlash Surrounding Smart Glasses
The hardware, manufactured in partnership with Ray-Ban parent company EssilorLuxottica, has faced intense questions regarding bystander consent and data collection. Brands reported selling more than 7 million units of the smart glasses last year. While standard photos and videos saved directly to a user’s private camera roll are excluded from AI training by default, images captured while actively engaging Meta AI features have historically been retained.
Earlier this year, a Swedish news outlet reported that human data annotators stationed in Kenya reviewed images and videos captured during AI interactions, occasionally seeing intimate moments. Meta recently confirmed it had to deactivate recording hardware for thousands of users who manipulated the small indicator light designed to signal when the glasses are active.
Comparing Meta’s Data Policies
| Data Type | Default Privacy Status | AI Training Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Camera Roll Photos & Videos | Private by default | Not used for training |
| Visual Data via Meta AI Interactions | Stored unless changed | Now eligible for opt-out |
| Audio Interactions with Meta AI | Recorded for processing | Still used for training (manual deletion available) |
While the new setting addresses visual data storage, audio interactions remain eligible for company review and model training unless owners manually delete those voice recordings. The policy shift arrives as Meta explores alternative hardware designs. During the Meta Connect conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to introduce two new Ray-Ban styles equipped with camera-free, voice-only AI capabilities.
Did you know? Meta builds its smart glasses in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica. While camera-based AI features require specific opt-out steps, the companies recently unveiled new models that omit cameras entirely in favor of voice-only interactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I opt out of Meta AI training my visual data?
Yes. You can disable this by opening the Meta AI app, going to glasses settings, selecting “Meta AI” under “Experiences,” and turning off “Store visual data from AI experiences,” as outlined by Meta.
Are normal photos taken with the glasses used to train AI?
No. Meta maintains that ordinary photos and videos stored in a user’s camera roll remain private by default and are not used for machine learning models.
Does the opt-out setting stop Meta from using my voice recordings?
No. According to tech reporting from Engadget, the new setting applies strictly to visual data. Audio interactions remain eligible for training unless users manually delete them.
What happens to visual data if I turn the setting off?
Meta states that if you use visual features—such as translating a foreign sign—the data is used to answer the query and is then discarded without being reviewed or used for product improvement.
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