Can Smart Glasses Ever Be Privacy-Friendly? These Companies Think So

Meta’s Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses achieved commercial success in 2025, selling seven million units globally, up from two million the prior year. Despite this growth, privacy concerns remain a major obstacle, with documented cases of misuse, including extortion and unauthorized recordings of sex workers. An investigation also revealed that Meta sent user-captured photos and videos to human contractors for AI training, raising ethical questions. The backlash echoes the early criticism of Google Glass, which faced widespread mockery and privacy backlash. While Meta’s glasses integrate cameras and AI features, some companies are taking a different approach. Even Realities, for example, launched the Even G2 smart glasses, which lack cameras and speakers, positioning them as more traditional eyewear with a waveguide display for information overlay. The Even G2 focuses on functionality without invasive recording capabilities, aiming to avoid the privacy pitfalls of Meta’s design. This shift suggests a potential evolution in smart glasses, where privacy-conscious alternatives could carve out a niche market. However, broader adoption will depend on whether users prioritize features like cameras and AI or opt for more discreet, privacy-focused designs. Privacy advocates argue that smart glasses must address these concerns to gain mainstream trust. The debate highlights a broader tension between innovation and ethical considerations in wearable technology. As the market expands, companies may need to balance functionality with user privacy to prevent a repeat of Google Glass’s social and ethical missteps.