Meta Backtracks on Face Recognition for Smart Glasses App

On June 8, 2026, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) reported that Meta quietly removed facial recognition technology (FRT) code from its Meta AI companion app, which pairs with its smart glasses. This move comes after a public backlash sparked by a WIRED report exposing the controversial feature.

According to WIRED, Meta had embedded FRT code into the app, designed to convert images of faces into unique biometric signatures, enabling identification of individuals in public. EFF's Threat Lab independently verified these findings through static analysis, as detailed by Cooper Quintin and Rindala Alajaji of the EFF.

Our take: This reversal is a win for privacy advocates and consumers. Meta's initial attempt to quietly integrate facial recognition capabilities into smart glasses was a serious misstep, highlighting the ongoing tension between technological advancement and personal data rights. Constant vigilance is required as companies push the boundaries of embedded surveillance.