Meta's upcoming launch of its Ray-Ban smart glasses in India, following its global release in September 2023, is accompanied by significant updates to its privacy policy. This new policy, which Meta has shared with customers via email, reflects changes in how the company collects, stores, and uses data from users interacting with Meta AI via the Ray-Ban glasses.
One of the most notable changes is the removal of the option to disable the storage of voice recordings. Previously, users could opt out of Meta storing their voice interactions with the AI, but now, the only control users have is the ability to manually delete these recordings via the settings. The update also ensures that the "camera use" setting for Meta AI is enabled by default, meaning the glasses will always be ready to record audio unless users explicitly disable the "Hey Meta" voice activation feature.
In addition to voice recordings, the updated privacy policy covers the use of images and videos captured by the Ray-Ban glasses. These media files will be stored locally on the device by default and will not be accessed by Meta unless they are used within a Meta product. However, if users upload any content, such as photos or videos, to platforms like Instagram or other Meta services, Meta will use this content to improve its products and services.
Meta reassures users that they can still disable "Hey Meta" entirely if they wish to prevent interactions with the AI. This would also prevent the storage of voice recordings. However, users who choose to keep this feature enabled should be aware that their data will be used to enhance Meta's AI and other products.
The Ray-Ban glasses, which were initially launched as RayBan Stories in 2021, are designed for hands-free interaction with Meta AI. They allow users to ask questions, play music, send messages, answer calls, and most notably, capture photos and videos through built-in cameras. The glasses also feature a live translation capability for conversations in real-time, although this feature is currently limited to English, Spanish, French, and Italian.
While Meta has not yet announced the specific launch date for the glasses in India, the move to update its privacy policy seems to be part of the preparations ahead of their official release in the market, expected in April 2025.
