Two Harvard University students modified Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses to incorporate AI-based facial recognition technology, enabling real-time identification of strangers. Their project highlighted the potential exposure of personal data through consumer technologies and raised concerns about privacy. Demonstrations revealed how easily they could obtain names and affiliations of unaware individuals by scanning their faces. While the project aimed to raise awareness, it also sparked discussions on the implications of such capabilities in everyday life. Despite interest, the creators have no plans to commercialize their work.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students Enhance Glasses with Facial Recognition | From traditional glasses to AI identification | Widespread public use of smart glasses and AI | Demand for seamless access to information |
| Real-time Identification of Strangers | From anonymity to identifiable interactions | Social norms shift regarding privacy and data use | Increasing reliance on technology for social interaction |
| Privacy Concerns Over Personal Data | From private existence to public exposure | Enhanced privacy regulations and tools emerge | Growing awareness of data privacy risks |
| Rapid Information Retrieval via AI | From manual searching to instant knowledge | AI algorithms dominate personal information access | Technological advancements in AI capabilities |
| Surreptitious Data Gathering | From overt actions to covert data collection | Legal frameworks adapt to new tech capabilities | Evolution of social engineering techniques |