The concept of Meta's facial recognition smart glasses has reemerged in a recent patent.

      Months of criticism have not deterred Meta from its facial recognition initiative.

      Meta has devoted a significant part of this year to addressing worries regarding facial recognition on its smart glasses. However, the company seems unwilling to abandon the concept, as a recently published patent application indicates its ongoing commitment to the technology.

      Reported first by Patentlyze, the application, filed by Meta in February, outlines the use of AI-driven facial recognition in conjunction with smart glasses to recognize individuals and utilize associated information while creating media.

      A patent application does not guarantee that the described features will be available to consumers. Nevertheless, it comes after months of indications that Meta has consistently investigated facial recognition for its wearable devices.

      This is increasingly appearing to be more than just a trial.

      In February, reports highlighted an internal feature called “Name Tag,” which could enable Meta's smart glasses to identify individuals in real-time.

      The situation took a stranger turn in June, when researchers discovered inactive facial recognition components within the Meta AI app, including systems capable of detecting faces and converting them into biometric data. Meta subsequently removed the code and insisted that no facial recognition feature had been implemented.

      Simultaneously, it was revealed that Meta had acquired facial recognition technology from Rank One Computing, a company serving U.S. military and law enforcement. This software was also found dormant within the Meta AI app.

      At this stage, it is evident that Meta has investigated facial recognition for its glasses. However, it remains uncertain whether any of this effort will ultimately translate into a marketable product.

      The privacy issue remains unchanged.

      The patent has already faced criticism. In a statement referenced by CNET, the Center for Democracy and Technology cautioned that the technology could be misused in ways that endanger vulnerable individuals, including victims of stalking and domestic violence.

      This concern has shadowed Name Tag since its inception. Smart glasses are fundamentally different from facial recognition hidden within a photo library; they are cameras worn on a user's face while navigating public areas.

      Meta's glasses already resemble standard eyewear significantly. If facial recognition is added, someone nearby may not be able to tell if they are merely being gazed at or discreetly identified.