Meta unveils camera-free smart glasses amid growing privacy backlash and scrutiny

Meta has expanded its wearable lineup by introducing a camera-free model of its popular smart glasses, designed specifically to counter mounting privacy backlash and public scrutiny.

Code-named “Luna” and built in classic styles, the new frames strip away the digital lenses and image sensors that have previously landed camera-equipped versions under fire from privacy advocates, legal teams, and public venues.

The glasses have also drawn lawsuits, including a proposed class action in California alleging Meta misled users about privacy protections and that human annotators training its AI viewed and labeled footage of people's private moments, including changing clothes, after the recordings were uploaded to its servers.

Meta, which contests the allegations and plans to defend itself, is expected to unveil the glasses without cameras in two styles, one called Clubmaster and another named Burbank, according to the Information.

The previous smart glasses developed alongside EssilorLuxottica faced heavy criticism and bans over fears of covert recording.

Furthermore, Meta has faced legal hurdles, including class-action lawsuits regarding privacy breaches and data collection.

By dropping the camera, Meta aims to alleviate user anxiety, even though the new glasses maintain a six-microphone setup and targeted speakers to facilitate seamless, hands-free access to Meta's AI assistant.

Industry analysts remain divided on whether removing cameras will successfully capture a distinct market, given that visual capture has long been a primary driver for smart eyewear.

Nonetheless, the release marks a strategic pivot for the tech giant as it navigates the delicate intersection of artificial intelligence, consumer hardware, and modern digital privacy expectations.