Meta plans to introduce facial recognition to its smart glasses as soon as this year, according to a new report. The feature, internally called “Name Tag,” would enable wearers to identify people and receive information about them through Meta’s AI assistant. The report notes that Meta’s plans could still change.
The company has been deliberating since early last year on how to release a feature that carries acknowledged safety and privacy risks. An internal memo indicated Meta had originally planned to debut Name Tag at a conference for the visually impaired before a public release, but ultimately did not proceed.
The report states that Meta viewed the political tumult in the United States as a favorable time to launch the feature. An internal document suggested that launching during a dynamic political environment would mean many expected critical civil society groups would have their resources focused on other concerns.
Meta previously considered adding facial recognition to the first version of its Ray-Ban smart glasses in 2021, but abandoned those plans due to technical challenges and ethical concerns. The report indicates the company has now revived its plans as the political climate has grown more favorable to big tech and following the unexpected market success of its smart glasses.