UK data watchdog writes to Meta over ‘concerning’ claims intimate footage filmed on smart glasses viewed by outsourced workers
The UK’s data watchdog has written to Meta over “concerning” reports where private and intimate images captured by AI smart glasses could be viewed by outsourced employees.
According to reports in Swedish newspapers, images of people having sex, going to the toilet and undressing were among the images recorded using Meta glasses and later viewed by subcontractors working in Kenya to train the product’s artificial intelligence functions. Svenska Dagbladet (SvD) and Göteborgs-Posten (GP).
Subcontractors who spoke anonymously to media outlets said they did not believe people knew the glasses were recording when such images were taken. In its UK AI terms, Meta said: “In some cases, Meta will review your interactions with AIs, including the content of conversations you have with AIs or messages you send to them, and this review may be automated or manual (human).” The company did not respond to a request for comment.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), which works to promote data and privacy protection in the UK, said it had written to Meta to request clarity on how the company met its data protection obligations.
One worker reportedly told SvD and GP: “We see everything from living rooms to naked bodies.”
Another reportedly said: “There are also sex scenes filmed with smart glasses. Someone wears glasses while having sex. That’s why this is so sensitive.”
In a statement, an ICO spokesperson said the allegations were “concerning” and service providers were expected to “clearly explain what data is collected and how it is used”.
An ICO spokesperson said: “Devices that process personal data, including smart glasses, must put users in control and provide appropriate transparency. This includes where user data is used to train or improve AI systems.”
“Service providers must clearly disclose what data is collected and how it is used. Our guidance for smart technology and Internet of Things (IoT) manufacturers clearly sets out these requirements and our expectations.
“The allegations in this article are concerning. We have now written to Meta to request information about how it meets its obligations under UK data protection law and will consider its response.”
Independent It has previously been reported that Meta’s plans to add AI facial recognition features to its smart glasses could endanger women and girls, according to leading charities.
Experts have said the technology, which allows users to identify people and obtain information about them using the platform’s artificial intelligence tool, could pose a “direct and serious” risk by putting survivors “in harm’s way” and allowing abusers to identify and track them.
Women come after they say Independent They believe predators used the stealth nature of the glasses to invade women’s privacy after the women were filmed without their knowledge.
Meta has been contacted for comment.
