Meta has begun rolling out a new setting that lets users of its smart glasses choose whether to allow the company to use visual data collected by the device for artificial intelligence training. This option is now accessible through the Meta AI app and was introduced with a pop-up notification to users of the glasses. The company explains that its smart glasses can translate menus, identify plants, and perform other tasks using AI features.
Users who opt out of sharing visual data may not be able to use certain features like 'visual reminders,' which allow the device to remind users about objects they've seen, according to Engadget. It is unclear whether other functions of the glasses will be affected by this opt-out choice. Alongside the setting, Meta also published a more detailed explanation of how it uses visual data in its help center article.
The company notes that it only stores visual data collected during specific AI experiences such as Live AI. Meta says this stored visual data may be used to train AI models through automated systems or manual review by humans. The company says ordinary photos and videos recorded with the glasses while the capture light is on are not included in this category of visual data.
Meta is still dealing with consequences from the Cambridge Analytica scandal, which involved Facebook user data being harvested through a third-party app and used in efforts to profile voters in connection with the 2016 election. A New Mexico jury recently found that Meta violated the state's Unfair Practices Act by misleading residents about privacy and misinformation handling.
This trial stemmed from a lawsuit filed in 2021, and the state accused Meta of misrepresenting how third-party apps could use user data and failing to apply consistent policies around hate speech. Meta argued that the statements cited by the state were taken out of context and said it does not sell users' information, according to Reuters. A judge has not yet decided how much Meta will be fined in the case.
Jurors found that 26 of 29 company statements identified by New Mexico were misleading. They found more than 43 million violations based on the number of people affected by those statements. Judge Francis Mathew will determine the civil penalties. New Mexico law allows penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation.
The company's rebranding to Meta in 2021 did not erase its history with the Cambridge Analytica controversy. Meta has faced lawsuits and settlements involving the scandal in several countries, while a separate multistate U.S. settlement worth up to roughly $18 billion focused mainly on claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed young users. About $459 million of that agreement was designated to resolve Cambridge Analytica-related privacy claims brought by several states.
New Mexico did not join that settlement, so its Cambridge Analytica-related case continued to trial. The September 25 verdict was the second major New Mexico courtroom loss for Meta in 2026. Earlier this year, another New Mexico case resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties and payments connected to claims involving child safety on Meta's platforms.
Meanwhile, Meta is expanding access to its Muse AI app with a new early access program for users interested in testing upcoming features, TechCrunch reported. Users can express interest by sharing a specific prompt on X that logs their request to try out the latest Muse capabilities. Meta has not said that people will be selected through a random drawing and is allowing users to directly ask Muse to place them on the early access list.
Features announced for Muse include a digital avatar for video chat, expanded shopping partnerships, and additional tools that allow Muse to perform tasks on computers. Muse will also be integrated into Meta’s smart glasses, allowing users to interact with the AI agent by speaking a wake word followed by a command.
The Muse Mac app is already available and can interact with files, messages, calendars, notes, and mail when users grant access. Meta said at its Connect event that Muse will eventually work through its smart glasses to perform tasks such as booking appointments, logging meals, helping with workouts, and assisting users with purchases. Meta has said the smart-glasses integration is expected in the coming months.
The developments put Meta's latest AI products alongside its long-running privacy disputes. The company is giving smart-glasses users more control over whether visual information is stored for AI development while also asking consumers to trust Muse with access to more personal information and services.