Texas Attorney General Investigating Meta AI Glasses Over Privacy Concerns

AUSTIN — Ken Paxton announced Tuesday, May 19, 2026, that his office has launched an investigation into Meta’s Meta AI Glasses over concerns involving privacy, facial recognition technology, and the potential collection of Texans’ personal data.

According to the Office of the Texas Attorney General, the smart glasses are equipped with cameras, speakers, and communication tools that allow users to capture and share audio and video from their surroundings.

Investigators said concerns stem in part from Meta’s privacy policy, which describes an “always enabled” mode that continuously processes video data for use with Meta AI products.

Officials noted the glasses include a small LED recording indicator, but allege the light can be easily concealed and does not activate while the device operates in “always enabled” mode.

Attorney General Paxton’s office also cited concerns about how user data may be accessed and reviewed.

According to the announcement, individuals working for Meta subcontractor Sama allegedly had access to private user recordings despite Meta’s public privacy assurances.

The state said some workers claimed they viewed sensitive footage, including recordings from users’ homes and bathrooms. While Meta reportedly blurs faces in some reviewed content, employees allegedly stated the blurring does not always occur.

The investigation also references reporting by The New York Times indicating Meta has explored adding facial recognition technology to the glasses through an internal project reportedly code-named “Name Tag.”

According to Paxton’s office, the feature could potentially allow the collection of facial geometry data from individuals without their knowledge.

“I will continue to relentlessly stand up to any company that threatens the privacy and safety of Texans,” Paxton said in a statement. “Meta’s glasses raise serious concerns, and my office will thoroughly investigate these devices to ensure that no individual is being unlawfully recorded, tracked, or subjected to the unauthorized collection of their data.”

Officials said the attorney general has issued a Civil Investigative Demand seeking information about whether Meta misrepresented how consumer data is collected and used.

The announcement follows a $1.4 billion settlement Paxton secured with Meta in July 2024 related to allegations involving unlawful facial recognition practices.