Privacy scandal with Ray-Ban and Meta smart glasses after it was confirmed that private data could be extracted through facial identification

It has already started… Smart glasses Ray-Ban Meta have once again been at the centre of controversy. Designed in collaboration between the iconic eyewear brand Ray-Ban and Meta, These glasses offer a 12 megapixel camera, microphones and speakers to facilitate live broadcasts and create content.

However, they are not on everyone's lips for that reason, but because two students from Harvard University have demonstrated that this technology can be used to obtain private information from people without their consent. Very Black Mirror all…

The demonstration that set off the alarm

AnhPhu Nguyen and Ardafiyo —I'll leave their Twitter below—, the two students involved, published a video on the social network in which they show how they managed to accessing personal data of strangers by using facial recognition integrated into the glasses Ray-Ban Meta.

The technology used, called I-XRAY, analyses live broadcasts made through Instagram, Identifying faces and linking them with available information in public databases. A new case of why we should be careful about what we upload to the Internet.

The video shows how students They were able to find out names, addresses and phone numbers of several people, simply by observing them in public places. They also verified the validity of the data with some classmates and also tested it with strangers on public transport, approaching them and pretending to know them based on the information obtained.

This demonstration not only surprised those involved, but It also sparked a wave of criticism over the ease with which sensitive data can be accessed. without any authorization. We are entering into a new problem that has not been so accessible until now.

Students used I-XRAY technology to demonstrate the capabilities of Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Capture information in real time and take advantage of public databases to identify people in a matter of seconds.

The ability to Live streaming while collecting personal information has caused security and privacy experts to question whether current regulations are sufficient to protect citizens from these types of vulnerabilities.

A privacy problem announced

Privacy concerns are nothing new when it comes to smart glasses. The Ray-Ban Meta had already raised fears for its ability to record videos or take photos without others noticing..

Although they have a small LED light that activates during recording, its brightness is so low that in many situations it goes unnoticed. In addition The light cannot be blocked, as the glasses detect it and cancel the recording.

The implications of these types of devices go beyond the simple invasion of privacy in public spaces. combining discreet recording capability with the use of artificial intelligence and live streaming, the door is opened to a level of surveillance that was previously only present in science fiction scenarios. As I said. Totally Black Mirror…

Many users and privacy advocates have expressed their Concerns that these devices could be used to harass, extort or even steal identity, without the victims being aware of it.

Nguyen and Ardafiyo They have assured that they will not release the technology to the public, aware of the dangerous potential of what they have developed. Their intention was to demonstrate how the threat of loss of privacy is not part of a dystopian future, but a reality that is already here, within reach of millions of people thanks to mass-market devices. like Ray-Ban Meta glasses.

My opinion on Ray-Ban…

It is true that smart glasses Ray-Ban Meta represent a significant advance In the field of consumer technology, combining design and functionality in a device that is attractive to many users, but this brings complications given its accessibility.

The recent experiment conducted by Harvard students shows the risks inherent in this type of technology, especially in terms of privacy and personal security. And this is just the beginning.

Meta and other technology companies must face these challenges responsibly, ensuring that their products are not only innovative but also safe for those who use them and those around them, but they can't control everything.

If this software were to see the light of day, you have already seen how easy it would be to obtain personal data. through a device of just over €300 which is sold everywhere. Perhaps the expensive part would be getting the software, which by the way, would cost a lot of money in certain environments…

The question remains: Are we prepared to accept the consequences of living in a world where anyone can be identified and tracked in real time? The answer to this question will define the future of privacy in the era of artificial intelligence and augmented reality.