If you are a social media user, you probably already gave some good laughs with prank videos during your scrolling time. We’re sorry to inform you that, in the near future, the number of these videos most likely will go down significantly.
One of the reasons is that Meta is taking strict measures against content creators who use its smart glasses to record “prank” videos of individuals without their consent. The tech giant has begun banning social media accounts that publish content involving non-consensual filming and harassment, extending enforcement across Instagram, Facebook, and Threads.
This action follows a hardware and software update designed to prevent Meta’s smart glasses from capturing photos or recording videos while the LED privacy light is turned off. Despite these privacy measures, certain content creators have continued using the device to secretly record bystanders in uncomfortable or intrusive situations, labeling these interactions as pranks.
In a statement reported by Business Insider, Instagram head Adam Mosseri addressed the issue directly, emphasizing that Meta will remove any content where creators exploit or harass others. He stated that the company aims to prevent users from surreptitiously filming people and posting the footage to harass them on Meta’s platforms.
The policy enforcement is a direct response to growing public backlash and negative perception surrounding the technology. In several online communities, the smart glasses earned derogatory nicknames such as “predator glasses” and “pervert glasses” due to their potential for privacy violations. Meta’s leadership expressed significant concern over this reputation and sought to curb behavior that compromises user safety and public privacy.
According to Meta, enforcement mechanisms aligning with its platform terms of service have been active since early July. The company is actively reviewing content across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads to penalize violations involving smart glass usage. While Meta continues to crack down on unauthorized filming and harassment to protect public privacy, reports suggest the company is simultaneously developing future iterations of wearable technology that may feature even more integrated recording capabilities.
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