Meta discreetly added code for an unreleased facial recognition system called NameTag into its smart glasses app. A WIRED analysis identified core components of the system within the Meta AI application.
The app has been downloaded over 50 million times. Integration of the code began as early as January 2026.
The feature identifies people via the glasses' camera and alerts the wearer upon recognition. The system converts faces into biometric data to check against faceprints stored on the user's phone.
A Meta spokesperson stated the company is exploring these features but has made no final decision. Meta committed to a transparent approach if the technology is officially released.