Global News Podcast Global News Podcast

The Global Story: Smart glasses or ‘pervert glasses’?

Oct 11, 2026 · 27m

Summary

BBC's Tristan Redman and Asma discuss the privacy controversies surrounding Meta's AI smart glasses, dubbed "pervert glasses" by critics due to non-consensual filming. North America tech correspondent Lily Jamali reports from San Francisco, detailing how the devices are being used to harass women and the subsequent bans by venues like Comic-Con. The episode covers Meta's response, including new audio-only models and software updates to prevent tampering with recording indicators, while also exploring the glasses' potential benefits for visually impaired veterans. Jamali analyzes the market …

Topics discussed

Sponsorship and NCIS New York promotion Introduction to the smart glasses controversy The 'Rizz Cam' trend and privacy concerns Introduction of correspondent Lily Jamali Victim accounts and the 'pervert glasses' label Businesses banning smart glasses How smart glasses work and market adoption Lily's personal experience wearing the glasses Marketing pitch vs. reality of privacy Meta's response to privacy violations and tampering Meta Connect: New audio-only glasses launch Atmosphere of the Meta Connect event Sponsorship and The Interface podcast promo Target audience: Consumers and visually impaired veterans Hearing enhancement features and FDA approval Google's return to the smart glasses market Competitors: Apple and Snap Inc. Smart glasses as the next step after the Metaverse Why tech companies push this tech despite skepticism Meta's official statement and episode credits
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