Lorde took a strong stance against AI smart glasses during her performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid. She cautioned the audience about the increasing difficulty in distinguishing reality and expressed her disapproval of the technology, stating, “Forget the glasses. They are not appealing.”
The discussion surrounding AI-powered eyewear was further fueled by Kylie Jenner’s collaboration with Meta to create a line of wearable tech that includes a camera, hands-free recording capabilities, and an AI assistant resembling her voice. The promotion of these glasses has drawn criticism online, particularly in light of reports of individuals using similar devices to secretly record others without their consent, especially women.
Despite the backlash, Jenner continues to promote her collection on social media. While some fans celebrated the launch, others criticized the glasses as being unsettling and out of touch. Jenner’s past experiences with paparazzi have also been highlighted, underscoring a perceived contrast between her personal encounters and her current endorsement of the glasses.
Critics have emphasized the need for accountability, pointing out that tech companies should take responsibility for the potential misuse of surveillance technology. Farrah Khan, a consent educator and gender justice advocate, raised concerns about the impact of such devices on women, urging companies to prioritize user safety and ethical considerations.
Meta, the company behind the AI glasses, faced pressure recently over a feature that allowed the creation of AI content using public accounts. Following concerns from industry stakeholders, including Hollywood agencies and unions, Meta decided to remove the feature, acknowledging the importance of obtaining clear consent for using individuals’ information in AI models.