Pop star Lorde used her stage time at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival last week to deliver a blistering critique of AI-powered smart glasses, telling the crowd they are “not sexy” and warning that the technology erodes trust in reality. Her remarks, which included explicit language, were aimed at the growing prevalence of devices like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses, which combine cameras with artificial intelligence features.
“Increasingly in our world, it gets harder and harder to know what is real,” Lorde told the audience. “You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses, or if they’re wearing those f—ed up, f—ing [AI glasses].” The singer’s intervention is notable given that her festival slot preceded a performance by Jennie, a brand ambassador for the Ray-Ban Meta glasses line. The festival itself was sponsored by Ray-Ban, which partners with Meta on the devices.
Lorde’s comments tap into a wider unease about the privacy implications of always-on wearable cameras. Security experts have flagged the glasses as a potential tool for harassment and extortion, and Meta is currently facing multiple lawsuits alleging privacy violations. One claim involves Kenyan contract workers reportedly forced to view graphic footage captured by the glasses to train Meta’s AI. Meta has said it takes privacy seriously and includes a visible recording light, but critics argue such safeguards are insufficient.
In the UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has been monitoring the rise of wearable AI devices, including smart glasses, as part of its broader enforcement of data protection laws. Under the UK GDPR, any device that captures images or audio without clear consent could breach privacy regulations. Meanwhile, the EU’s AI Act, which came into force in stages from 2025, classifies certain AI applications as high-risk, potentially subjecting smart glasses makers to stricter transparency and accountability rules.
Despite the backlash, sales of Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses have surged. EssilorLuxottica, the maker of Ray-Ban, reported selling more than 7 million units in 2025 — more than triple the combined sales of the previous two years. Meta has expanded the product line, betting that consumers will overlook privacy concerns for convenience. Lorde, however, offered a counterpoint: “The here and now, that is sexy.”
For UK businesses, the popularity of AI glasses presents both opportunities and risks. Retailers and tech firms may see a new market for augmented reality applications, but they must navigate a tightening regulatory landscape. The ICO has already issued guidance on biometric data and wearable tech, warning that non-compliance could result in hefty fines. Consumers, meanwhile, face a growing challenge in distinguishing between genuine human interaction and AI-mediated surveillance, a shift that Lorde’s outburst has brought into sharp focus.