Meta has removed code related to a facial recognition feature from the companion application for its smart glasses, according to a recent report. The move comes shortly after the discovery of an internal system that, although never activated for users, raised concerns about privacy and biometric data collection. <\/p>\n\n
According to the investigation, the code belonged to a feature called NameTag,<\/strong> which had been added to several updates of the Meta AI application this year.<\/p>\n\n Although the tool was never made available to the public, the system was capable of creating faceprints, <\/strong>or unique biometric signatures, for every face captured by the smart glasses\u2019 cameras. Once a person was recognized, the system could have alerted the wearer of the glasses. <\/p>\n\n The technology represented a significant advancement in facial recognition for consumer devices, but it also sparked concerns regarding privacy and the use of biometric information.<\/p>\n\n According to the latest analysis, the newest version of the Meta AI app removed nearly all references to the NameTag project.<\/p>\n\n Additionally, a folder that would have stored biometric signatures of individuals the system was unable to identify was also removed.<\/p>\n\n The deletion of the code suggests that Meta has decided, at least for now, to halt the visible development of this feature within its smart glasses ecosystem.<\/p>\n\n The company confirmed that no version of this technology was ever released to consumers.<\/p>\n\n In a statement, Meta explained that if it ever decided to launch a similar feature, it would do so in a transparent and carefully considered manner.<\/p>\n\n The company also addressed one of the main concerns surrounding this type of technology:<\/p>\n\n \u201cWe are not building a centralized face database.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n This statement aims to respond to concerns raised by privacy advocates and civil rights organizations that have historically questioned the use of facial recognition technologies by major technology companies.<\/p>\n\n The news follows previous reports indicating that Meta had resumed work on facial recognition technologies during 2025.<\/p>\n\n Earlier this year, the company acknowledged that it was still evaluating potential applications for the technology. Previously disclosed internal documents showed that Meta had considered launching NameTag during a changing political environment, when organizations critical of facial recognition technology might have been focused on other issues. <\/p>\n\n However, the recent removal of the code appears to indicate that the company is reconsidering how such capabilities could be integrated into future products.<\/p>\n\n The case once again highlights the ongoing discussion about balancing technological innovation with privacy protection.<\/p>\n\n As smart glasses continue evolving into increasingly sophisticated AI-powered devices, facial recognition remains one of the most sensitive topics for regulators, privacy experts, and consumers.<\/p>\n\n For now, Meta maintains that no facial recognition tool based on NameTag has been released to the market and that it is not developing a centralized face database.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\nMeta Removes Traces of the Feature from the App<\/h2>\n\n
Meta Says There Is No Central Face Database<\/h2>\n\n
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Meta Continues Exploring Facial Recognition Applications<\/h2>\n\n
Privacy and Technology: An Ongoing Debate<\/h2>\n\n
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