• Regulator investigates data collection and AI training practices
• Concerns focus on covert recording and handling of sensitive data
• Case reflects growing scrutiny of AI-powered devices in Africa

Kenyan authorities have launched an investigation into the “Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses,” developed by Meta, amid growing concerns over personal data protection. The move comes in a broader global context marked by controversy surrounding such connected devices.

The existence of the probe was confirmed on March 31 by The Oversight Lab, a Kenya-based organization focused on digital rights. According to the group, the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner said it had already opened ex officio investigations into privacy concerns related to the Ray-Ban Meta glasses and the processing of personal data in the context of Meta’s AI training. The regulator added that its findings will be communicated once the investigation is completed.

According to several local media outlets, Kenyan authorities are seeking to determine whether the glasses comply with existing laws governing the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. Concerns center on the devices’ ability to discreetly record images, videos, and conversations, sometimes without the explicit consent of those involved.

The investigation follows media reports indicating that content recorded by the glasses may have been reviewed by subcontractors involved in training Meta’s artificial intelligence systems. Some testimonies suggest that sensitive data, including intimate scenes and personal information, may have been accessed, raising questions about oversight and anonymization mechanisms.

One employee of Sama, a Kenya-based subcontractor working with Meta, told Swedish journalists that the content included highly sensitive material. The account described footage of sexual activity recorded using the glasses, as well as conversations involving crimes or protests. According to the testimony, the data reviewed went beyond routine or harmless interactions.

Beyond the specific case of these smart glasses, Kenyan authorities are also assessing the broader risks associated with the rise of AI-enabled connected devices. These technologies, which allow continuous capture of surrounding environments, raise new challenges related to privacy and surveillance.

For Meta, the investigation could lead to stricter transparency and compliance requirements in the African market. It also reflects a broader trend, as regulators, including in Africa, move to tighten oversight of emerging technologies.

Adoni Conrad Quenum