While many celebrities have been quick to adopt the latest tech trends, pop star Lorde has taken a stand against Meta’s AI glasses. During her recent performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, Lorde expressed her distaste for the technology, calling it a ‘privacy nightmare’ and stating that it is simply ‘not sexy’.
Lorde’s comments come as no surprise given the growing concerns over the use of smart glasses with cameras and AI features. These devices have been used as tools for harassment and extortion, and Meta has faced numerous investigations and lawsuits alleging privacy violations.
One lawsuit alleges that Kenyan contract workers were made to watch graphic videos obtained with the glasses to help train Meta’s AI. Despite these concerns, EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban, reported strong sales of over 7 million Meta AI glasses in 2025, more than triple the number sold in 2023 and 2024 combined.
Lorde’s comments may have been influenced by her performance immediately before singer Jennie, who is an ambassador for Ray-Ban x Meta’s smart glasses line. The partnership between Ray-Ban and Meta has raised eyebrows, particularly given Lorde’s own views on technology and its impact on society.
In a statement that echoed her previous comments on throwing her phone into the ocean, Lorde declared: ‘Increasingly in our world it gets harder and harder to know what is real. You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they’re wearing those f–ed up, f–ing [AI glasses]. Can I just say, for the record, f— the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.’
Lorde’s words have sparked a renewed debate over the ethics of AI-powered technology and its impact on society. As the use of smart glasses continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether Lorde’s comments will have any lasting effect on the tech industry.
The controversy surrounding Meta’s AI glasses has been ongoing for some time now. In 2024, a group of researchers raised concerns over the potential misuse of these devices, highlighting the risks associated with their use in public spaces. Despite these warnings, EssilorLuxottica continues to promote the technology as a revolutionary innovation.
Lorde’s stance on AI glasses is not without precedent. In recent years, several high-profile celebrities have spoken out against the use of smart glasses and other forms of surveillance technology. However, Lorde’s comments are notable given her relatively young age and influence in the music industry.
The implications of Lorde’s comments for the tech industry are far-reaching. As the use of AI-powered devices continues to grow, it is essential that companies prioritize user safety and privacy. The controversy surrounding Meta’s AI glasses highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of these technologies.
In conclusion, Lorde’s criticism of Meta’s AI glasses has sparked a renewed debate over the ethics of AI-powered technology. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it is essential that companies prioritize user safety and privacy.
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