Lorde says AI glasses are ‘not sexy’

2026-07-14 · Source: TechCrunch · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, Emerging Technologies & Innovation · Depth: Fundamental Awareness, quick

Summary

Pop star Lorde publicly criticized Meta's AI glasses at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, labeling them "not sexy" and a "privacy nightmare." Her comments echo security experts' concerns that smart glasses, equipped with cameras and AI features, facilitate harassment and extortion. This has led to multiple investigations and lawsuits against Meta for alleged privacy violations. Despite these issues, Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses have seen strong sales. EssilorLuxottica reported selling over 7 million units in 2025. This tripled the combined sales of approximately 2 million units in 2023 and 2024. Lorde's remarks were made at a Ray-Ban sponsored event, preceding a performance by a Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses ambassador.

Key takeaway

For tech journalists covering consumer AI, Lorde's "not sexy" declaration and the ongoing privacy lawsuits highlight a critical tension. You should investigate how strong sales of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses persist despite significant ethical concerns and legal challenges. Focus your reporting on the disconnect between public perception, celebrity influence, and actual consumer purchasing behavior. This trend suggests privacy concerns alone may not deter mass adoption.

Key insights

Despite privacy concerns and public criticism, AI smart glasses are experiencing significant market growth.

Principles

• Consumer adoption can outpace privacy concerns.
• Public perception is shaped by celebrity commentary.
• Technology's "sexiness" impacts its social acceptance.

Topics

• AI Glasses
• Smart Glasses
• Data Privacy
• Consumer Technology
• Meta Platforms
• Celebrity Influence

Best for: CTO, Executive, AI Product Manager, Tech Journalist, General Interest, AI Ethicist

Related on AIssential

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• Can Apple make smart glasses that aren’t a constant privacy threat? — Apple is strategically delaying smart glasses to integrate robust privacy features, learning from competitor missteps.
• Meta Faces Lawsuit Over Ray-Ban Smart Glasses Privacy — Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses face a lawsuit over undisclosed human review of user footage for AI training, raising significant privacy concerns.
• We need to admit that putting cameras on AI glasses was a mistake — Camera-equipped AI smart glasses face significant public resistance due to privacy concerns, hindering mass adoption.

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by TechCrunch.