Meta removes Instagram prank videos shot with smart glasses

Meta has taken down Instagram videos recorded using smart glasses, targeting prank content that captures people without their consent and harasses strangers in public. Several accounts have already been banned.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, said posts featuring bullying or harassment – such as public pickup attempts, pranks and disturbing workers – will be deleted immediately, emphasizing that such behaviour is unacceptable and may result in account bans.

Although Meta did not explicitly name specific brands, its smart glasses have recently faced heavy criticism as tools for covert filming after various creators used them to produce harassing content.

According to a report by The Next Web, at least two accounts, each with over one million followers, have already been banned. Meta confirmed that these accounts were suspended for posting content that violates platform regulations.

However, internet users argue that Meta’s enforcement addresses only the symptom rather than the root cause. While the smart glasses feature an LED indicator light when recording, it remains difficult to spot outdoors, and some users have even covered the light with adhesive tape.

Although Meta updated the smart-glasses system to automatically disable the camera if the LED indicator is obstructed, critics remain doubtful that this guarantees a complete solution, leaving privacy concerns unresolved.

Critics also point out that users could still secretly record strangers for personal use without uploading the footage to social media. In such cases, Meta would have no practical way to detect or prevent the activity, highlighting the broader privacy challenges surrounding wearable camera technology. 

Source: The Next Web, Digital Trends, Gizmodo, Business Insider

Source – Bangkok News