Lorde has made her opinion on AI smart glasses very clear. While performing at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival, she took a moment to address the wearable AI technology, advising fans to think twice before adopting it. “In today’s world, distinguishing what is real becomes increasingly challenging,” she expressed to the audience, adding, “I must emphasize, forget about the glasses. Avoid getting them. They’re not attractive.”
The conversation around AI-powered eyewear has been amplified by other celebrities as well. Kylie Jenner has faced criticism for her partnership with Meta to create a line of wearable tech, equipped with a camera, hands-free recording features, and an AI assistant with her voice. In promotional ads, Jenner proclaimed, “2026, the year I become the new voice of Meta AI. We embrace technological advancements.” She even featured a call from her mother, Kris Jenner, in another ad.
The collaboration has stirred online backlash, with concerns raised about the endorsement of wearable cameras amidst reports from various sources worldwide detailing instances of individuals using smart glasses to secretly record others, especially women, without their consent. Despite the criticism, Jenner continues to promote the collection on social media, showcasing a new cat-eye style designed in collaboration with her.
While some fans celebrated the launch, others criticized the glasses as a “menacing product from an unreliable company” and labeled the campaign as “completely out of touch.” Some even likened the ads to the start of an episode from the series “Black Mirror.” Commenters echoed concerns about the invasive nature of the glasses, highlighting issues of unauthorized filming and the misuse of such footage.
Critics have pointed to Jenner’s past encounters with paparazzi during her teenage years. Jenner recounted feeling overwhelmed by the constant presence of photographers and the lack of privacy she experienced, noting instances where she felt intimidated and vulnerable due to their actions.
There has been a call for reflection on Jenner’s decision to endorse the glasses, with some stating that her involvement contradicts her past experiences and could be seen as a betrayal by her supporters. Advocates emphasize the responsibility of tech companies in ensuring user safety and avoiding the promotion of surveillance practices that can lead to harm, particularly towards women.
Meta, the company behind the AI glasses, faced additional scrutiny recently when it reversed a feature allowing users to generate AI content using public accounts without explicit consent. Following concerns raised by industry organizations like CAA and SAG-AFTRA, Meta decided to remove the feature. This move was welcomed by advocates of privacy rights and consent in digital platforms.
As the debate continues on the balance between technological convenience and privacy rights, the discussion on the implications of wearable AI devices like smart glasses remains a topic of interest.
