Technology
Meta updates smart glasses software to block recording when LED light is covered
The company is addressing a privacy loophole that allowed users to obscure the recording indicator light after initiating video capture.
The short version
- Meta is rolling out a software update for its smart glasses that automatically stops the camera if the LED recording light is covered during a recording.
- The change targets a loophole popularized in online tutorials where users started recording before blocking the indicator light to covertly film others.
- This marks Meta's second software update in under two months focused on privacy protections, following a prior patch that disabled cameras if physical damage to the LED was detected.
Key facts
- Meta is issuing a software update that shuts off its smart glasses' camera if the LED indicator light is covered while a recording is underway.[Engadget]
- The update addresses a specific method where users initiated a recording first and then covered the light to bypass initial checks.[Engadget]
- The release is Meta's second update in under two months aimed at addressing unwanted covert recording with its smart glasses.[Engadget]
- Meta previously announced a feature to disable cameras if the hardware detects physical damage to the recording light.[Engadget]
- Alex Himel, Meta's VP of AR, stated that only a small minority of users attempt to bypass these protections and that further privacy updates are in development.[Engadget]
What remains uncertain
- It remains unknown how effectively the update will counter third-party market accessories designed to bypass the recording light undetected.[Engadget]