Some Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have been secretly recording conversations, according to reports. The bug, which affected users without their knowledge, has been patched by Meta, but the underlying privacy concerns remain. A Reddit user reported that the issue occurred across multiple glasses and saved audio recordings in their conversation history. Meta’s response, while reassuring, doesn’t answer many questions, including the cause of the bug and its extent. Privacy advocates have long warned of the potential misuse of such devices, with concerns heightened by their sleek design. Despite the fix, the broader issue of smart glasses recording without permission is a significant one.

Meta hasn’t explained the root cause of the bug. It’s unclear whether a recent firmware update was to blame, or if the issue stems from a deeper flaw in the system. The company claims the bug is resolved, but the number of affected devices and the exact circumstances remain unknown. Android Authority reported the initial findings and noted that it couldn’t replicate the issue before the fix was applied. Ars Technica is seeking further clarification on Meta’s plans to prevent similar issues in the future.

While a single incident may not seem alarming, it highlights the broader privacy risks associated with smart glasses. The technology’s ability to record conversations without a prompt phrase makes it a potential tool for surveillance. As these devices become more prevalent, the potential for misuse increases, raising questions about how society will regulate such devices. Privacy advocates and tech companies must work together to ensure that the benefits of smart glasses do not come at the cost of personal privacy.