Meta AI Glasses Spark Privacy Concerns on School Campuses

Students and teachers raise alarm over harassment and academic dishonesty issues with new wearable tech

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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As Meta's AI-powered smart glasses become more popular, students and teachers are reporting a rise in privacy concerns and harassment on school campuses. The glasses' ability to secretly record photos and videos has led to incidents of women being approached and recorded without consent, as well as concerns about academic dishonesty and classroom surveillance. Professors are having to constantly update their course materials to combat cheating, while students feel paranoid about being judged or going "viral" for the wrong reasons. The technology is also raising fears among immigrant and first-generation students about potential surveillance by law enforcement. With future models expected to become even more discreet, the debate around the appropriate use of wearable tech in educational settings continues.

Why it matters

The rise of Meta's AI glasses highlights growing tensions around privacy, consent, and the impact of ubiquitous surveillance technology, especially in sensitive environments like schools and universities. As these devices become more advanced and widespread, they could exacerbate existing issues like academic dishonesty, harassment, and the erosion of safe spaces for open discussion and debate. The concerns raised by students and teachers reflect broader societal anxieties about the trade-offs between technological progress and individual privacy rights.

The details

Multiple incidents have been reported of Meta AI glasses wearers approaching students, particularly women, on college campuses and secretly recording them. This has led to feelings of violation and harassment, with victims sharing their experiences online. The technology has also enabled academic dishonesty, as students have used the glasses to cheat on tests and share answers. Professors are struggling to adapt their teaching methods to combat these new forms of cheating. Beyond the classroom, the glasses are raising fears among immigrant and first-generation students about potential surveillance by law enforcement. As the technology becomes more discreet, these concerns are expected to grow.

  • In July 2026, Meta announced plans to potentially double production capacity for its AI-powered smart glasses by the end of the year.
  • In the fall of 2025, a Texas high school banned all wearable technology, including Meta AI glasses, on campus due to concerns about academic dishonesty and privacy.

The players

Joziah

A 19-year-old student at Florida State University who has witnessed incidents of women being approached and recorded by Meta AI glasses wearers on campus.

Chloe Peichl

An 18-year-old senior at a private high school in Texas who has experienced the impact of her school's ban on wearable technology, including Meta AI glasses.

Jamie Cohen

An assistant professor of media studies at CUNY Queens College who has observed the effects of new technologies like ChatGPT and wearable devices on the classroom environment.

Gwyneth Agbenyo

A 23-year-old student of Cohen's who is concerned about the potential for Meta AI glasses to be used for nonconsensual recording and harassment.

Meta

The technology company that developed the AI-powered smart glasses, which have seen growing demand and production plans.

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What they’re saying

“It definitely made me feel uneasy. I felt uncomfortable watching them go up to all these girls to record their interactions of them hitting on them.”

— Joziah, Florida State University student

“A.I. and ChatGPT, oh my gosh. It's insane. Innocent people are getting accused of [copying their homework from ChatGPT] and having to rewrite 15-page essays that they worked all year on.”

— Chloe Peichl, High school senior

“We're already living in a digital panopticon and seeing the effects of it on our culture, especially when it comes to the anxieties of young people.”

— Gwyneth Agbenyo, College student

What’s next

As Meta continues to push for wider adoption of its AI glasses, schools and universities will likely need to update their policies and enforcement measures to address the growing privacy and academic integrity concerns. Lawmakers may also consider new regulations around the use of wearable recording devices in sensitive public spaces like educational institutions.

The takeaway

The rise of Meta's AI-powered smart glasses highlights the broader societal tensions around privacy, consent, and the impact of ubiquitous surveillance technology, especially in environments like schools and universities where open dialogue and academic integrity are paramount. As these devices become more advanced and widespread, policymakers, educators, and the public will need to grapple with how to balance technological progress with the protection of individual rights and the creation of safe spaces for learning and self-expression.