I was scrolling through TikTok last week when I saw a video that made my stomach drop. A woman was describing how her aesthetician at a wax salon was wearing Meta Ray-Bans during her appointment. Even though the glasses weren't recording, the experience left her feeling violated and vulnerable.
The video went viral, sparking millions of views and comments from people expressing similar concerns about these camera-equipped AI-powered glasses. What struck me most was the commonalities expressed in the responses; most people have no idea how to tell if these Meta glasses are recording or not.
Learning the cues is actually quite straightforward, when you know where to the look. The catch, of course, is that unless you own a pair, you won't know what to look for, turning every encounter with smart glasses into a guessing game.
Once you know the signs, you'll never feel blindsided again. Here's how you can spot if someone is recording you whilst wearing Meta Ray-Bans.
1. Watch for the white recording light
The most reliable way to tell if Meta glasses are recording is to look for a small white light on the right temple of the glasses. This LED indicator illuminates whenever the camera is actively recording video or taking photos.
The light is positioned on the outside edge of the right temple, making it visible to people around the wearer. When I tested this myself, the light was bright enough to notice even in daylight, though it can be harder to spot if you're not looking directly at the glasses.
Meta designed this light to be tamper-resistant, with sensors that detect if someone tries to cover or disable it. However, some online tutorials claim to show ways around this protection, which is concerning for privacy-conscious individuals.
2. Listen for audio notification sounds
Meta glasses also emit distinctive sounds when recording starts and stops. You'll hear a brief audio chime when someone begins recording video and another sound when they stop recording or take a photo.
These sounds are audible to people nearby, not just the person wearing the glasses. In quiet environments like libraries or small offices, these notification sounds are usually easy to hear if you're paying attention.
The audio cues work as a backup to the visual indicator, providing another way for people around the wearer to know when recording is happening. However, in noisy environments like busy restaurants or outdoor events, these sounds might be difficult to detect.
3. What to do if you suspect recording
If you notice the recording indicators and feel uncomfortable being filmed, you have several options.
Many public spaces are developing policies about smart glasses usage. Some businesses now post signs requesting that customers inform staff if they plan to record, while others prohibit recording devices entirely.
You can also physically move yourself out of the potential recording area if you're uncomfortable confronting the person directly.
Remember that in most public spaces, recording is generally legal, but private businesses can set their own policies about recording on their premises.
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More from Tom's Guide
- I used Meta AI to enhance my selfies — here's how to try it
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