The tech world is buzzing about Meta’s new AR glasses, Orion, but a recent project by two Harvard students has brought attention back to Meta’s Smart Glasses collaboration with Ray-Ban. This time, the focus is on a potentially alarming application of the technology.
Meta’s Ray-Ban Smart Glasses come equipped with an HD camera and speaker, allowing users to make calls, enjoy music, and capture or stream photos and videos hands-free. However, the demo created by students AnhPhu Nguyen and Caine Ardayfio takes this technology a step further, showcasing how it can be combined with facial recognition software to reveal personal information about strangers on the street.
While the individual components of this technology have existed for some time, seeing them combined in this way has raised concerns among many. The ease with which this system can be implemented by individuals has caught many off guard, leading to descriptions of the technology as “dystopian.”
AnhPhu Nguyen shared a video demonstrating their project, called I-XRAY, on social media:
Are we ready for a world where our data is exposed at a glance? @CaineArdayfio and I offer an answer to protect yourself here:https://t.co/LhxModhDpk pic.twitter.com/Oo35TxBNtD
— AnhPhu Nguyen (@AnhPhuNguyen1) September 30, 2024
The system works by streaming video from the glasses to Instagram, where a computer program uses AI to identify faces. These faces are then processed through facial recognition models like PimEyes to match them with publicly available photos online. Large language models (LLMs) are used to extract details such as names and occupations, which are then cross-referenced with public databases to find additional information like phone numbers and partial Social Security Numbers.
What makes this technology particularly concerning is its inconspicuous nature and real-time capabilities. The Ray-Ban Meta Glasses 2 used in the demonstration look like ordinary glasses, with a privacy indicator that can be difficult to spot in bright outdoor settings. The automation of the information-gathering process, powered by LLMs, allows for rapid collection of personal data without human intervention.
The creators of I-XRAY aim to highlight how easily personal information can be accessed by strangers in today’s digital age. While they haven’t released any code, they have provided guidance on how individuals can protect themselves from such intrusions. Many of the databases used in this process offer free removal services, although completely erasing one’s online presence is challenging.
For those concerned about their digital footprint, the creators have shared a document with steps to protect your privacy. While it may not be possible to completely remove all traces of personal information from the internet, taking these steps can help reduce the accessibility of your data to others.