Meta has begun rolling out a new privacy setting within its Meta AI app that allows smart glasses owners to opt out of having their device’s visual data used for artificial intelligence training. The company is currently notifying users of this change via a pop-up notification.
The notification explains that while the AI glasses can perform tasks such as translating menus or identifying plants, users may choose to withhold the visual data generated during these experiences from Meta. According to the message, if a user opts out, the data is not stored after it is processed.
To access the setting, users must ensure their glasses are removed from their case and connected to a smartphone. They should navigate to the glasses settings, select “Meta AI,” and scroll down to the option labeled “store visual data from AI experiences.” Individuals who own multiple pairs of glasses must adjust this setting for each device individually.
Meta has also published a detailed help center article clarifying how the data is handled. The company states that visual data collected during AI interactions, including live AI features, may be used to train and improve AI models through either automated systems or human reviewers. However, the company specifies that this category does not include photos or videos captured when the device’s capture LED is illuminated.
Opting out may result in the loss of certain functionalities. Meta warns that users who disable visual data storage will likely be unable to use “visual reminders,” a feature that allows individuals to look at an object and set a reminder to purchase it at a later date. It remains unclear whether other features are impacted by this change.
They need to clarify what other features break. Visual reminders aren’t the only thing I used my glasses for.
Wait, so photos with the LED on are safe, but the AI processing isn’t? That’s a weird distinction to make.
I didn’t realize this was happening without consent! Glad they’re letting people turn it off now.
Finally, a clear opt-out. But losing visual reminders hurts. Privacy shouldn’t mean less utility.