One day after discovery, Meta pulls facial recognition code from its smart glasses

In a swift response to emerging concerns, Meta has removed an unactivated facial recognition feature from its companion app for smart glasses, just one day after its presence was highlighted by WIRED. Analysis of the most recent app version shows that the software components related to the facial recognition system, known internally as NameTag, have been eliminated. The update, released shortly after WIRED's report, no longer includes the specific code libraries that were previously associated with the face recognition technology. Andy Stone, Meta’s VP of communications, stated that the feature was still in the exploratory phase, emphasizing that no definitive decisions had been made regarding its future application. Earlier reports indicated that the NameTag system was designed to transform faces captured by the glasses into unique biometric identifiers, which could then be compared to a database stored on the user’s device. Additionally, the system was programmed to store images of unrecognized faces for potential future analysis. The concept of NameTag first gained attention in February, with discussions suggesting a potential launch during a politically charged period when scrutiny over privacy might be lessened. Despite the feature not being publicly activated, the findings raised significant questions about user privacy and data management. Following WIRED's disclosures, Stone criticized the reporting as misleading, reiterating that the feature was non-existent. However, Meta’s chief technology officer, Andrew Bosworth, described the report as “incredibly misleading” and “absolutely dishonest.” As of now, Meta has refrained from addressing inquiries regarding the creation and retention of the facial data associated with the NameTag system.