Meta Unveils Camera-Free Smart Glasses Amid ‘Pervert Glasses’ Backlash

In the wake of significant public scrutiny over privacy violations, Meta is set to release a new variant of its Ray-Ban smart glasses that omits the controversial camera component entirely. Dubbed the Ray-Ban Meta Audio, the device retains core audio functionalities—such as music playback, phone calls, and AI assistance—while aiming to alleviate fears that the original models were being used to surreptitiously record individuals.

The original Meta and Ray-Ban collaboration, launched in 2023, faced intense backlash after numerous reports emerged of the devices being used to harass women and girls. The controversy was severe enough to earn the products nicknames like “pervert glasses” or “creepy glasses,” leading to bans in various UK venues including Wetherspoon pubs, several theatres, Comic-Con, schools, and the Faslane naval base housing the UK’s nuclear submarines.

Despite efforts to rehabilitate the brand’s image, including a high-profile campaign featuring Kylie Jenner this summer, public sentiment remained largely negative. Meta, however, denies that the new camera-free model is a rushed reaction to this anger. The company states the product has been in development for two years and highlights that it offers a lower price point, a lighter frame, and improved battery life compared to its camera-enabled predecessors.

Ankit Brahmbhatt, head of product for Meta Glasses, indicated that the company aims to cater to a broad range of preferences, though he was notably cautious when asked whether the audio-only version might surpass sales of the camera-equipped models.

Journalistic testing of the original camera-equipped glasses revealed a complex social dynamic. While some wearers reported feeling safe in public spaces like London and Glasgow, others expressed anxiety about potential physical confrontation. Conversely, members of the public often felt reluctant to approach someone wearing the glasses, fearing they might be recorded without consent.

For many users, the utility of the glasses lay not in photography but in hands-free connectivity. Features such as navigation prompts, music streaming, and accessibility tools for the blind community—such as reading menus and describing surroundings—were widely praised. Meta has previously donated thousands of pairs to charities supporting visually impaired individuals.

Nevertheless, privacy advocates argue the technology poses a fundamental threat to civil liberties. Liz Hunter, a tech founder and parent who has petitioned for stricter regulation, described the launch of the original glasses as a “travesty of public trust.” She argued that while the devices may benefit the blind, they should not be available to the general public due to the erosion of privacy rights.

The market response continues to evolve. Competitors such as Snap, Google, and Samsung are also exploring smart eyewear, with Snap recently launching its $2,195 Specs in the US. Meanwhile, HTC has introduced the Vive Eagle, which features a software-based recording stop triggered by voice commands, attempting to address privacy concerns without removing cameras entirely.

Industry analysts suggest the camera-free release may serve as a strategic bridge. Kate Winick of Forrester Research noted that offering a non-recording option could reduce social friction for users of camera-equipped models by making it unclear to bystanders whether they are being filmed. Meanwhile, researchers like Janusz Swierczynski of Oxford University view the move as a positive, albeit incomplete, acknowledgment of privacy concerns.

As Meta prepares to introduce its third generation of camera-enabled glasses with visual displays in the UK next month, the audio-only Ray-Ban Meta Audio represents a distinct pivot—one that separates auditory convenience from visual surveillance in the quest for wearable tech acceptance.