Meta's Unreleased NameTag Feature Could Identify Faces Through Smart Glasses
Security researchers found code for an unreleased facial recognition feature called NameTag inside Meta's AI app in June 2026. The feature could theoretically identify people's faces using Meta's smart glasses. Meta has not confirmed plans to release the feature, and privacy advocates have raised concerns about the implications.
Security researchers discovered code for an unreleased facial recognition feature called NameTag inside Meta's AI app in June 2026, according to a report from Engadget citing Wired.
The feature, if released, could allow users of Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses to identify people's faces in real time. The glasses are already capable of taking photos and video, and integrating facial recognition would significantly expand their surveillance potential.
Meta has not confirmed any plans to release NameTag. A company spokesperson said the feature was not currently available to users and that Meta takes privacy seriously. The company did not explain why the code was present in the app.
Privacy advocates reacted with alarm. The ability to identify strangers by face in public spaces raises serious concerns about consent, stalking, and the erosion of anonymity in everyday life. Unlike a phone camera, smart glasses are less visible to bystanders, making covert identification easier.
Facial recognition technology has faced significant regulatory scrutiny in recent years. Several U.S. cities have banned its use by law enforcement, and the European Union has placed strict limits on its deployment in public spaces under the AI Act.
Meta's smart glasses have sold well since their launch, and the company has positioned them as a key part of its augmented reality strategy. The discovery of NameTag code adds to ongoing questions about how the company plans to use the data collected by its wearable devices.
