In a significant legal proceeding unfolding in Los Angeles, a California judge issued a stern warning to members of Mark Zuckerberg’s team regarding their use of Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses equipped with a camera. This incident occurred as they entered the courtroom for a pivotal trial examining the influence of social media on minors.
Judge Carolyn Kuhl expressed her disapproval directly, stating that if any recordings were made, they must be destroyed to avoid potential contempt of court charges against the Meta representatives. Technology journalist Jacob Ward described the incident as an “extraordinary misstep” by Meta, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
It remains unclear whether the glasses were actively used inside the courtroom or for how long they were worn. The use of photographic and recording devices is generally prohibited in Los Angeles County Superior Court, a rule enforced to maintain courtroom decorum and protect the privacy of jurors. A spokesperson for the court confirmed that judicial officers have the authority to impose restrictions on video recording and photography.
Lauding the seriousness of the matter, Judge Kuhl instructed anyone in the courtroom wearing AI glasses to remove them immediately. She emphasized that employing facial recognition technology to identify jurors is strictly forbidden in these proceedings.
Meta’s AI glasses, which retail between $299 and $799, possess capabilities to both capture images and record video. Zuckerberg was present in the courtroom to testify as part of the trial, which centers on allegations that Meta and Alphabet-owned YouTube deliberately engineered their platforms to foster compulsive usage among young people. The suit was brought forth by a plaintiff known by her initials “KGM,” who claims that her early exposure to social media led to addiction and detrimental impacts on her mental health.
The courtroom’s strict regulations underscore the sensitive nature of this trial, as both legal teams navigate the complex issues surrounding social media’s role in the lives of children and adolescents. The unfolding proceedings are likely to have far-reaching implications for how social media platforms operate and their responsibility toward younger users.
