Meta is (allegedly) trying to prevent misuse of their AI-backed "smart glasses." It's a lesson for everyone building AI-backed products.

▶️ The story ◀️

Meta already had a reputation for invasive data practices. It's also been dragged to court over products that allegedly harm teens. So it makes perfect sense that they'd be mindful of people misusing their latest product, a set of glasses with the ability to record what (and whom) the wearer sees.

▶️ ***The problem? ***◀️

Meta is doing this after the product has already landed. People have already been caught using their Meta glasses – dubbed "pervert glasses" by many – to surreptitiously record others. It seems odd that Meta would not have considered potential misuse long before the product's release.

Even worse, Meta has both acknowledged and denied the existence of a facial recognition technology, dubbed "NameTag," that would push potential creepiness to new heights.

Given that, Meta's sudden interest in preventing misuse rings hollow.

▶️ The lesson ◀️

What can this teach you about your company's AI-backed products? Simple:

You have to think about potential misuse early in the product planning stages, not after release.

Just like usability, scalability, and security, risk management of your genAI products cannot be a bolted-on afterthought.

(Companies that adopt a risk/reward mindset for their AI effort can catch these problems early. To learn more, check out my latest book at https://TwinWolvesAI.com/book/ . It's a slim, executive-level guide to AI transformation.)