The 404 Media Podcast People Are Modding Meta Ray-Bans to Spy On You
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Nov 5, 2025 This week dives into the controversial world of Meta's Ray-Bans. A $60 modification removes the privacy alert light, raising major red flags. The hosts reveal alarming stories of users filming and harassing massage workers, illustrating the darker side of these smart glasses. They compare this technology with smartphones, highlighting the different privacy implications and societal reactions. Plus, get a sneak peek into the future of advertising with AI-generated, hyper-personalized ads that learn from you.
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Hardware Mods Defeat Built‑In Privacy Light
- Modders can permanently disable the Meta Ray-Bans' recording LED by physically puncturing or disconnecting parts inside the frame.
- The glasses then record without the visible privacy light, defeating Meta's intended warning.
Modded Pair Arrived Looking Factory New
- Jason received modded Ray-Bans that looked factory-sealed and worked perfectly despite the LED being disabled.
- The Meta app showed no sign the glasses had been tampered with and previously recorded workshop footage was present.
Demand For Secret Recording Is Widespread
- Online communities have long shared ways to hide the LED and users actively seek mods to film people secretly.
- Marketplace listings and Reddit threads show persistent demand for disabling the recording light.