An immersive experience or worrying development? How Meta’s smartglasses divide opinion

Amid various concerns including privacy, public criticism around Meta's smartglasses could lead to the technology being less accessible for people who genuinely rely on it

Siemens president and CEO Roland Busch tries on a pair of Meta's Ray-ban smartglasses at the annual CES in Las Vegas earlier this year. Picture: Caroline Brehman/Getty Images

With more than 7m pairs reportedly sold in 2025, Meta’s Ray-Ban smartglasses are fast becoming one of the world’s most popular gadgets.

While supporters say they are transforming photography and accessibility, critics have raised concerns about nonconsensual filming, privacy, and data collection.