VIDEO: They Hack Facebook’s Smart Glasses to Identify Strangers on the Street

Imagine walking down the street and someone knows your name, your profession, even your hobbies—all without ever having met you. That’s the unsettling reality two tech-savvy students have brought to life. AnhPhu Nguyen and his classmate Caine Ardayfio, both computer science majors at a prestigious university in Massachusetts, have hacked a pair of smart glasses to do just that.

Turning Smart Glasses into a Real-Life Spy Gadget

Using Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses—already equipped with discreet cameras—they’ve developed a prototype that can identify strangers in real-time. In a video shared on social media, the duo demonstrates how, with just a glance, they can pull up extensive personal information about unsuspecting individuals. From a single snapshot of a face, their tool can uncover names, addresses, occupations, hobbies, friends, and in some cases, even social security numbers.


A Demonstration That Raises Ethical Questions

In one instance, Caine approaches a graying man on the Boston subway. “Are you Vishit?” he asks confidently. The surprised man nods, unaware of how his identity was so easily revealed. The students aren’t just showing off technical prowess; they’re highlighting the potential privacy invasions that such technology can enable.

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Not for Sale, But a Wake-Up Call

Before concerns escalate, it’s important to note that Nguyen and Ardayfio have no plans to commercialize this tool. “Our goal isn’t to release a product or code,” Nguyen explained in a tweet. “This is meant to be a demonstration, a wake-up call about what’s possible with today’s technology.” They’ve also provided a detailed guide on how individuals can protect themselves from similar identification methods.


The Intersection of Technology and Privacy

Their experiment underscores a growing issue in our increasingly connected world. With vast amounts of personal data available online and advancements in artificial intelligence, the line between public and private information is blurring. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation have long warned about the implications of unchecked surveillance technologies.


A Glimpse into a Possible Future

While the demonstration feels like something out of a science fiction movie, it’s rooted in present-day capabilities. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of data privacy and the potential consequences of our digital footprints. As technology continues to evolve, discussions about ethical use and regulations become ever more crucial.

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For now, the prototype remains a project confined to academic exploration. But it certainly gives us all something to think about the next time we step outside, unaware of who might be looking—and what they might see.

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