Instagram Cracks Down on 'Pervert Glasses' Problem: Meta Bans Harassment Videos Filmed with Ray-Ban Smart Glasses

Instagram head Adam Mosseri has confirmed that Meta is actively cracking down on a growing problem: people using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to secretly film harassment and "pickup-line" videos of strangers, then posting the footage on social media. The glasses have earned the unflattering nickname "pervert glasses" online as reports of misuse have multiplied throughout 2026.

What's Happening

• Content removal: Mosseri stated that content "taking advantage of people and harassing them, like a lot of these pickup line kind of videos" will be taken down
• Account bans: Meta has removed creator accounts that repeatedly violated the policy
• Firmware update: A July software update disables the camera if the user attempts to cover or conceal the blinking white recording indicator LED
• Recording privacy: Meta reiterated that photos and videos captured with the glasses remain private unless users choose to share them

The Bigger Problem

The crackdown follows months of escalating concerns. Aspiring influencers and pickup artists have been using the glasses' discreet camera to film unsolicited interactions with strangers — particularly women — before posting the footage online. Two Harvard students previously demonstrated that Ray-Ban Meta footage could be connected to facial recognition systems to identify strangers in public, and the EFF published an open letter signed by 75 organizations demanding Meta address these concerns.

What This Means for Buyers

Meta's response shows the company is taking the issue seriously, but the fundamental tension remains: smart glasses with cameras will always raise privacy questions. If you're considering the Ray-Ban Meta ($379), know that Meta has added technical safeguards (mandatory recording LED, camera-disabling firmware) and content moderation enforcement. For buyers who prioritize privacy, camera-free alternatives like the Even Realities G2 or audio-only smart glasses remain an option. See our AI wearables privacy guide for a full breakdown of what each device records.