Meta Removes Facial Recognition Code from AI App Amid Privacy Concerns
Meta walks back facial recognition in Meta AI app

Image: Socialmediatoday
Meta has retracted its facial recognition features from the backend of its AI app following backlash from a Wired report. The company aims to avoid public relations fallout while exploring the technology's future integration into its AI glasses, reflecting sensitivity to past controversies over privacy.
- 01Meta removed facial recognition code from its AI app after Wired reported its existence.
- 02The company had previously faced backlash over facial recognition on Facebook, leading to its shutdown in 2021.
- 03Meta's spokesperson criticized Wired's report, labeling it as misleading and clickbait.
- 04The company is cautiously exploring facial recognition to enhance its AI glasses without provoking public outrage.
- 05Internal communications suggest Meta plans to introduce facial ID during politically turbulent times to minimize scrutiny.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Meta has removed facial recognition functionality from the backend of its Meta AI app following a report by Wired that revealed the inclusion of facial ID code elements. Although these elements were not active, their presence hinted at future activation plans. Meta's spokesperson, Andy Stone, criticized the report, calling it 'shoddy' and 'advocacy-driven click bait,' which preceded the company's decision to retract the code. This cautious approach stems from Meta's history with facial recognition, notably the backlash in 2021 that forced the company to shut down its facial recognition processes on Facebook. The controversy surrounding data privacy, including the Cambridge Analytica scandal, has made Meta particularly sensitive to public perception regarding facial recognition technology. Despite this, Meta has been quietly reintroducing facial recognition features for account security. Reports indicate that the company aims to implement facial ID on AI glasses while minimizing public backlash by launching during politically turbulent times. This strategy reflects a broader trend of managing public relations while navigating complex privacy issues.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Meta's decision impacts users concerned about privacy and facial recognition technology in AI applications.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What are your thoughts on facial recognition technology in AI applications?
Connecting to poll...
More about Meta

Instagram Broadens Access to Reels Post View Ads for Advertisers
Socialmediatoday • Jun 9, 2026

Meta Launches $115 Million Skilled Trades Academy with Job Guarantees Across Four States
Fox Business • Jun 9, 2026

WhatsApp Disrupts New Spyware Attacks Linked to NSO Group, Files Contempt Order
Tech Crunch • Jun 8, 2026
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




