While it is possible to have some confidence that our privacy is respected with companies like Apple, it is significantly more difficult to have a similar approach with companies like Meta. Mark Zuckerberg’s group, which has been condemned numerous times in the past for privacy policy issues, is left with an unanswered question: “Are the images captured by the Meta Ray-Bans used by Meta to train the AI? ». A company executive refused to answer this question publicly, an embarrassment that leaves a cold…
Another practice not publicly disclosed?
While Apple has not yet marketed connected glasses, Meta is making great strides in this area. The collaboration with Ray-Ban gave birth to Ray-Ban Meta glasses, already equipped with many innovative features. Recently, Meta introduced artificial intelligence capabilities into its glasses, including an on-board camera, paving the way for revolutionary features.
These glasses can now recognize elements of the environment such as buildings, monuments or even dog breeds. They go further by allowing the user to memorize practical details, such as the location of their vehicle. Another notable new feature is continuous real-time video assistance, a highly anticipated feature that facilitates constant interaction with AI, a real breakthrough in the field of augmented reality.
However, the addition of these features raises significant concerns about visual data collection. Meta has a history of data collection practices without prior notice to its users, as was the case with images and posts on Instagram and Facebook used to train its AI models.
When TechCrunch asked Meta about using images captured by Meta Ray-Bans for training purposes for its AI, the company chose not to respond, saying it does not release this type of information publicly. This silence raises doubts, because the legislation requires that any collection of data, particularly of a visual or private nature, be reported to users.
It is therefore legitimate to wonder if Meta is replicating its old practices with these glasses, using millions of captured images to enrich its artificial intelligence algorithms. Especially since the new functionalities of these glasses are based on automatic and continuous capture, unlike the initial use which was done actively for sharing on social networks.
