Beware: Videos from Smart Glasses Can Be Viewed by Others to Train AI
Smart glasses are touted as one of the technological options that will increasingly be used in the future. With various sensors and artificial intelligence-based features, smart glasses enable users to record daily moments and perform various other digital functions.
However, behind this sophistication, a recent investigation has uncovered a startling fact. Video recordings taken using smart glasses, including private videos, can apparently be viewed by others.
The findings came from a joint investigation by two Swedish newspapers, Svenska Dagbladet and Göteborgs-Posten. Both outlets traced how data from the glasses is processed after being recorded by users.
The investigation found that some recordings were reviewed by human contractors as part of a process called “data annotation.”
The findings are considered concerning because they demonstrate that the use of technology in certain aspects, especially in everyday life, could open the door to privacy violations.
The investigation specifically highlighted the use of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, a device manufactured by the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, equipped with a camera and various AI features.
The investigation found that some videos recorded by the device were sent abroad for analysis by device contractors (in this case Meta), including to Nairobi, Kenya.
In an interview, contractors in Nairobi admitted to having encountered various highly personal videos recorded using smart glasses.
Additionally, they also found recordings displaying sensitive data, such as bank card information and private conversations discussing sensitive matters related to criminal acts.
One annotator even stated that they had seen videos of people using the toilet or changing clothes.
According to them, the people who recorded the videos were likely unaware that the footage could be viewed by others.
Although it sounds shocking and falls into an illegal category, the fact that video recordings can be viewed by third parties is actually stated in Meta’s AI service terms of use.
According to Meta’s AI usage terms, the company states that data processing for AI training may involve third-party contractors who have access to recorded content.