The University of San Francisco has issued a safety alert following reports of a man using Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses to record women on and around campus. The Office of Public Safety at USF sent out a warning to the community about “a suspicious occurrence” involving a male individual wearing these smart glasses. The man has been reportedly approaching women with unwanted comments and inappropriate dating questions, with intentions to post these interactions on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram under the username ‘pickuplines.pov’.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/meta-ray-ban-glasses-100325-d470201eaac94657b37071032d7751be.jpg)
The university emphasized that while no threats or acts of violence have been reported, the identity of all students featured in the recordings has not been determined. USF urged its community members to report any encounters with the man or any concerning behaviour. They also shared a list of safety tips for students, such as being cautious of their surroundings, walking in well-lit areas with friends, and setting boundaries if approached in an uncomfortable manner. The university stressed the importance of community vigilance and encouraged students to report any videos or accounts related to the incident to both the app platform and the Department of Public Safety.
Meta, the company behind Ray-Ban Meta glasses, responded to the situation in a statement to PEOPLE. The spokesperson highlighted that the glasses have an LED light that indicates when content is being captured, ensuring transparency in recording. They also reiterated the importance of using the smart glasses responsibly and in compliance with laws and respect for privacy. Meta’s terms of service explicitly state that users are responsible for their actions when using the glasses and should refrain from engaging in activities like harassment or invasion of privacy.
According to Ray-Ban’s product description, the Meta smart sunglasses offer various features such as making calls, sending texts, and capturing photos and videos with a built-in camera. Wearers can activate the Meta AI assistant by simply saying “Hey, Meta,” enabling hands-free interactions. The company advises users to be mindful of privacy concerns and recommends turning off the glasses in private settings where recording may not be appropriate, like in healthcare facilities or places of worship. Meta also stresses the importance of respecting others’ preferences and privacy rights, directing wearers to cease recording if someone expresses discomfort.
In response to the incident, USF reminded its community members of the shared responsibility in looking out for each other and the campus environment. They assured that resources are available for those affected by the situation and reiterated the importance of reporting any concerning incidents promptly. The university aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff, emphasising the significance of mutual care and vigilance in ensuring a secure campus environment.
The case serves as a reminder of the evolving challenges posed by new technologies and the importance of using them responsibly and ethically. As smart devices become more integrated into daily life, it is crucial for users to consider the impact of their actions on others’ privacy and well-being. The incident at USF underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and education about digital etiquette and respectful use of technology in shared spaces.