The workers behind Meta's smart glasses can see everything (www.svd.se)

Meta has unveiled its new AI-powered smart glasses, designed to function as an all-in-one assistant, capable of tasks ranging from live translation to personal coaching. However, an investigation reveals troubling privacy concerns, as workers at a subcontracting company in Kenya named Sama report exposure to sensitive and explicit content recorded through users' glasses, raising ethical questions regarding data processing and user consent. These workers, operating in a context of stringent confidentiality, describe witnessing private moments that users may not have been aware were being captured. This revelation highlights a significant, often overlooked aspect of AI development: the reliance on low-cost labor in developing countries to annotate and train AI systems. As Meta's glasses gain popularity—projected sales of 7 million units in 2025—experts express concerns over the transparency of user data handling. The integration of AI functionality requires constant data transmission to Meta's servers, contradicting reassurances given by retail staff about user control over data sharing. As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, particularly under GDPR, users may be unaware of the privacy risks associated with adopting such technology, pointing to an urgent need for clearer guidelines on consent and data usage in the evolving landscape of AI products.