The Privacy Risks of smart glasses: AI and the Loss of Personal Space

The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses, a collaboration between Meta and Ray-Ban, are pushing wearable technology further by combining traditional eyewear aesthetics with real-time camera capabilities. While seemingly convenient, these smart glasses have raised serious privacy concerns. With a discreetly integrated camera, they allow users to live-stream what they see directly to platforms like Instagram. While Meta claims that privacy protections are in place—like a light that turns on when recording—recent experiments have shown that these measures may not be enough. According to an article in Il Secolo XIX, two university students recently demonstrated how easy it is to misuse this technology, recording and identifying people around them without consent.

AI and Facial Recognition: A Privacy Threat

The problem isn’t just the cameras; it’s the combination of wearable tech and artificial intelligence. Using facial recognition software, the students were able to cross-reference the faces of random people with public databases, instantly identifying names, addresses, and even family details. As Il Secolo XIX notes, this technology can expose highly personal data in mere seconds, leaving people vulnerable to potential manipulation or fraud. Imagine a stranger approaching with details about your life as if they know you personally—an unsettling and dangerous breach of privacy.

Cap_able: A Fashion-Forward Solution

At Cap_able, we believe privacy is a fundamental right, and we’re committed to helping individuals protect it in this increasingly connected world. Our solution to these growing privacy threats is found in innovative clothing designed to make wearers "invisible" to facial recognition systems. Each piece—from our sweaters to t-shirts and pants—incorporates patterns and designs that confuse AI, creating a shield against unwanted digital tracking and profiling. Our Manifesto collection shows how design and technology can collaborate to protect individual privacy in public spaces. But the real question is... can Cap_able’s Manifesto Collection help shield you from Meta Glasses?

Privacy Protection in a Hyper-Connected World

With devices like Meta Glasses becoming more common, solutions like ours offer a proactive stance on personal security. As Il Secolo XIX highlights, in a world where AI-powered tech is nearly everywhere, maintaining privacy requires creative innovation. Our clothing represents a bold new approach in the fight for privacy, empowering individuals to take control over their own data visibility in a constantly connected environment.