META STRIPS FACE RECOGNITION FROM SMART GLASSES APP

Meta's decision to eliminate the face-recognition feature from its smart glasses app signals a shift in the company's approach to AR wearables. The removal was not formally announced, suggesting Meta opted to quietly phase out the capability rather than address it publicly. The feature would have allowed the glasses to identify people in real-time, raising substantial privacy and ethical questions. Privacy advocates and regulators have increasingly scrutinized facial recognition technology, with multiple jurisdictions moving toward restrictions or bans on its use in public spaces. Meta's smart glasses, developed through its Ray-Ban partnership, remain focused on core AR functionality including navigation, translation, and content overlay. The company continues to develop its metaverse ambitions through the devices, though consumer adoption remains limited. The removal suggests Meta is prioritizing regulatory compliance and public perception over advancing facial identification capabilities—at least for now. The company has not issued an official statement regarding the change.