A TikTok creator just sounded the alarm on how Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses might be making it way too easy to secretly film people.
In a video that’s now gotten over 4 million views, TikToker @itzmardo says he only recently realized how dangerous these glasses could be.
‘It’s just so weird to think about’
He starts off by saying, “OK, now I understand why the meta glasses are so harmful.”
Then he points people toward a specific corner of TikTok: candid videos tagged with Meta Glasses. “There’s accounts who go to the beach, who go to swim parks, all these different areas where people [are] wearing bikinis… but they’re having fun and minding their business,” he says.
Meanwhile, someone in Ray-Bans is recording the whole time, often without the subjects realizing it. “Groups of girls, little girls, guys… it’s just so weird to think about,” he exclaims.
He then drops a piece of information that not everyone might know. “The little button that blinks, you can just tape it over and it looks like regular glasses,” he states. “Someone needs to do something about that, cause that’s insane and gross.”
What are Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, and how do they work?
The smart glasses are a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban. They look like regular sunglasses or prescription lenses, but they come with built-in cameras, speakers, microphones, and AI integration with Meta’s assistant.
To indicate that they’re recording, the glasses are supposed to flash a small white LED light. That’s where most of the controversy comes in.
So, can you really record someone without people knowing?
Technically, no. Meta designed the glasses to shut off recording if the light is covered. But several TikTokers, including @itzmardo, say people have found ways around it.
That’s not just hearsay. Back in 2021, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission raised its concerns. The agency asked Meta to prove the LED was actually enough to alert bystanders that they were being recorded. In response, Meta said the LED was intentionally bright and that any attempt to tamper with it would block recording entirely.
Yet clearly, that safeguard isn’t stopping some people.
The Mary Sue reached out to Meta and Ray-Ban to ask whether the glasses can still record if someone covers the light. We’ve also asked whether either company is planning any new updates to prevent this from happening.
Commenters share their thoughts
In the comments under his video, users agreed about how dangerous Meta glasses are.
“Made by the same guy who made the website to rate women at college what can you expect,” one person wrote.
Another said, “Meta glasses were made by creeps for creeps.”
@itzmardo Yeah I didn’t know it at first but I def know it now #itsmardo #awareness #metaglasses #spy #moreyouknow ♬ Piano famous song Chopin Deep deep clear beauty – RYOpianoforte
“Women told y’all this when it was just a concept,” someone else added.
“All technology is not good technology,” another user concluded.
The Mary Sue has reached out to Meta, Ray-Ban, and TikToker @itzmardo for comment.
Have a tip we should know? [email protected]
