Zuckoff App Flags Meta Glasses Recording, Heightens Privacy Concern

A new app, Zuckoff, is now available to detect Meta smart glasses recording in the vicinity. Announced September 10, 2026, the application, developed by Polish software engineer Pawel Szydlowski, pinpoints nearby smart glasses and estimates their proximity. Szydlowski developed the app after being unsettled by videos showing individuals recording unsuspecting strangers, as reported by Business Insider.

According to Business Insider, Zuckoff's primary scanning screen displays the likely presence of nearby smart glasses. A "Zuckoff Pro" subscription offers background notifications when the app is not actively open. The app has seen rapid adoption, attracting 5,000 users since its launch last month.

This development arrives at a critical juncture for Meta's AI smart glasses. Business Insider highlights growing public frustration with covert recording, prompting Meta to intensify its public relations efforts aimed at easing privacy concerns. The company has faced increasing scrutiny over how its eyewear is used in public spaces.

Our take: The emergence of tools like Zuckoff is an inevitable consequence of smart glasses becoming more commonplace. While Meta has implemented recording indicators and public awareness campaigns, the very nature of discreet, hands-free recording will always raise public apprehension. The onus remains on manufacturers to not only embed strong privacy features but also educate users on ethical usage, while also preparing for reactive third-party solutions.