Singer-songwriter Lorde criticized Meta's smart glasses during her performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, Spain [1, 2].
The public condemnation from a high-profile artist adds momentum to a growing debate regarding the ethics of wearable AI. Critics argue that these devices allow users to record others without their knowledge or consent, a capability that threatens individual privacy in public and private spaces [1, 2].
During her set at the festival, Lorde said the technology was "not sexy" [2]. Her comments coincide with a broader wave of backlash against the devices, including criticism directed at Kylie Jenner's involvement in a Meta campaign [2].
The controversy centers on the integration of AI and cameras into eyewear, which can blur the line between personal documentation and surveillance. While tech companies market the glasses as a way to capture seamless moments, the ability to film discreetly has sparked alarm among privacy advocates and public figures alike [1, 2].
Lorde's decision to address the hardware from the stage highlights a shift in how celebrities interact with emerging tech. Rather than serving as early adopters, some artists are using their platforms to signal a rejection of surveillance-capable wearables [1, 2].
Meta has not issued a specific response to the comments made during the Madrid performance, but the company continues to push the integration of AI into its hardware ecosystem [1, 2].
“"not sexy"”
The intersection of celebrity influence and privacy advocacy suggests a growing cultural resistance to 'invisible' recording technology. As AI wearables move from niche gadgets to mainstream accessories, the tension between tech convenience and the right to anonymity in public spaces is becoming a primary friction point for consumers.
