Meta is pushing a plan to add a facial recognition feature to its smart glasses, TechCrunch reported on Feb. 13, citing the New York Times.
The feature, internally called "Name Tag", would allow smart glasses wearers to identify people and obtain information through an AI assistant.
Meta has reviewed the feature's safety and privacy issues since last year, the report said. It initially planned to pilot it at a conference for the visually impaired and then release it to the public, but that did not happen. Meta is said to have judged that launching the feature by taking advantage of political turmoil in the United States would be beneficial. Internal documents included a statement that a time when civic groups are focused on other issues is appropriate.
Meta tried to add facial recognition to Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2021 but put the plan on hold due to technical limitations and ethical controversy. With President Donald Trump strengthening ties with big tech, Meta is again pursuing a facial recognition function.
Meta plans to minimise backlash by emphasising AI-based security enhancements and greater user choice.
Chi-gyu Hwang
delight@d-today.co.kr