Code for an unreleased facial recognition feature named “NameTag” has been discovered in Meta’s AI app, as reported by Wired. The feature is linked to Meta’s smart glasses but is currently disabled and not accessible to customers.
NameTag is capable of capturing faces and notifying the wearer when it recognizes previously captured faces. A security researcher indicated that the code is not sending biometric data to Meta’s servers at this time. Earlier versions of the Meta AI app included interface elements for NameTag, such as a “Connections” menu aimed at helping users remember individuals they met.
Anonymous sources within Meta confirmed the existence of the feature. An internal memo suggested that the company considered launching NameTag during politically charged times to mitigate backlash from civil society groups. Although the feature could provide accessibility benefits for users with visual impairments, it raises significant ethical concerns.
Ryan Daniels, a Meta spokesperson, clarified that the company is exploring facial recognition features but has not made any final decisions. “Nothing has shipped to consumers and no final decision has been made on what to do here, if anything,” Daniels said. He emphasized that Meta is not creating a central face database.
Meta previously utilized facial recognition for photo tagging on Facebook but retired this feature in 2021 due to privacy issues. In 2024, the company reintroduced facial recognition on Instagram and Facebook as a safety tool for identifying scam ads. Despite the discovery of the code, there is no indication that NameTag will be integrated into future Meta smart glasses, such as those developed with Ray-Ban or Oakley.
