AI Glasses: What Christians Should Know About Privacy

AI glasses make recording more discreet, which raises important questions about privacy and consent.
Technological capability does not remove our responsibility to consider whether an action is wise, loving, or respectful.
Christians believe every person is made in the image of God and should never be reduced to content, data, or entertainment.
Responsible use of wearable AI includes asking permission, protecting vulnerable people, and thinking carefully before sharing images or recordings.
Christians do not need to fear new technology, but we should evaluate it through biblical wisdom, love for others, and respect for human dignity.

Since the ever-increasing use of AI, tech companies have worked to improve its qualities and features. In an update from Meta, the company behind two of the top social media sites, Facebook and Instagram, has added new privacy safeguards to its AI-powered glasses after concerns that people could be recorded without their knowledge.

Unlike an ordinary phone camera, AI glasses can be worn naturally because the camera is attached to the person. This means recording can happen while the person wearing it is walking, shopping, or interacting with others, including talking. Though useful, accessible, and hands-free, the technology’s capabilities raise an important and somewhat alarming ethical question. If technology can record others, does that mean we should?

What Privacy Concerns Do AI Glasses Raise?

In Matthew 7:12, Scripture tells us to “Do to others what you would have them do to you” (NIV). It’s a nice statement, but it’s much more difficult to live out, isn’t it?

Jesus’ words don’t just give us an ethical framework to live by; they also provide guidance and direction for the use of technology, such as AI. It might sound like common sense, but before automatically recording, we should ask if we would want someone recording us without our knowledge. We should ask if we want the recording shared. If we would be comfortable if the roles were reversed. Nine times out of ten, the answer is no. Just because something is accessible, legal, or possible doesn’t automatically make it wise, loving, or kind.

While technology might ask “Can I?” Wisdom asks “Should I?” That’s the difference between us and the world. Because capability doesn’t always equal permission.

Why Does Human Dignity Matter Even in Public?

Whether we’re aware of it or not, we already live in a world full of cameras: from Ring doorbells and security systems to traffic cameras, social media, and now glasses. In some ways, widespread camera usage makes us forget that these are real people behind the lens. Just because we’re in “public” doesn’t mean someone has given their okay for public recording or consumption. Nor does being in the open mean someone has surrendered all regard for human decency or morale.

Though many may beg to differ, there is a huge difference between security and documenting a public event. Between intentionally recording a stranger and using someone’s image (without their knowledge or permission) for entertainment.

As Christians, we know that every individual is made in the unique image of God. People aren’t merely images for content, data, or opportunities for viral reels. All people are God’s creation with dignity that matters to Him.

Why Does Consent Matter with AI Glasses?

AI glasses or not, technology complicates consent. Are people being recorded without knowledge or permission? Who is responsible? What happens when AI can analyze what the camera sees or records? These are all challenging questions, but they must be discussed and pondered when evaluating what consent is. Because the less visible our technology becomes, the more intentional we should be about our ethics. And what are those ethics?

According to Matthew 7:12, we need to ask ourselves what love would require of us. So instead of asking what’s popular, useful, or trending, ask: WWJD?

This could look like asking before recording someone in person. Refraining from recording vulnerable people just because something looks of interest. Refusing to share images without considering the consequences. Being protective of children, and of course, not using technology to embarrass, exploit, or expose others.

Beyond cameras, we all know that AI can identify objects, provide information, assist with conversations, and process things for us. But are we really living if technology is interpreting the world for us? From privacy to surveillance, consent, data, bias, and human judgment, powerful judgment comes with great responsibility for its users. And those are questions each person must wrestle with and decide for themselves.

As new technology continues to evolve, we as Christians don’t need to fear every new advancement. But we do need to practice discernment. Before using it, let us ask ourselves: Does this help me love others? Does this respect them? Does this make me more or less present? Am I using this to serve others or exploit them for entertainment?

Our goal isn’t to reject the latest technological fads, but to use them well.

How Should Christians Use Wearable AI Wisely?

If you’re someone who uses wearable technology like AI glasses or SmartWatches, here are some practical takeaways when interacting with others:

Ask Before- Before recording someone, ask! Especially if the interaction is personal, sensitive, or includes minors. It’s best to ask for permission first rather than forgiveness later!
Think Before- Before sharing, remember to treat strangers like people and not content. Ask yourself: Would I want this shared if I were in it? Would I feel comfortable if someone took photos of me without my knowledge?
Protect Before- Before capturing something, think of those in vulnerable situations. From homelessness to crisis or drug abuse, choose wisdom and protection over convenience. We can bring awareness to serious situations without exploiting those involved. Remember to let everything you do be done in love.

In the coming years, technology will likely continue to change, but our calling as Christians using technology certainly won’t. We’re called to love God and love others. To treat others as they’d like to be treated.

Technology might become better at seeing people, but humans can care for other humans best when they see them in the image of God.

Why Can AI Never Replace Human Dignity?

As the C.S. Lewis Institute notes in Artificial Intelligence and Its Impacts on Humanity, volume 9, issue 1, “These days, that kind of system is proving very effective indeed. And generally speaking, the result is better than you would get from your local doctor. So that’s a typical AI system. Now, the word artificial needs to be taken seriously. The machine is not intelligent. It simply does what it’s programmed to do. It simulates intelligence. And that’s the important thing. It doesn’t think. It simply does what is built into its program. But the result is what you’d normally get by using human intelligence. So, as one famous early scientist in this field said, “The word ‘artificial’ in artificial intelligence is real. It’s really artificial.”

AI might be effective, but it can never replace the value of God’s creation. AI is human-created. Humans are God-created. That difference will shape the future of our ever-changing world as we know it. It’s up to us what we do with it. Will you use AI to love others or to exploit them without their knowing?

Prayer

Dear Jesus, thank you for the gift of technology. As new advancements continue to emerge, please help our lawmakers and leaders make wise decisions about their use and privacy. Give us a greater respect for human dignity than entertaining reels, and discernment about when technology serves and when it doesn’t. Before using AI glasses or similar technology, please help us by providing your guidance. Help us to ask what you would do and to prioritize that answer over what may appeal to the world. We love, praise, and thank you, Lord. Amen.

Agape, Amber

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Meta AI glasses record people?
Yes. Meta's AI glasses can capture photos and video hands-free. A visible capture LED is designed to alert people nearby when photos or videos are being recorded.

What privacy safeguards do Meta AI glasses have?
Meta uses a capture LED to signal recording and has safeguards designed to disable camera use if that indicator is covered or tampered with on supported models.

Should Christians ask permission before recording someone?
Christians should consider not only what may be legally permitted but what demonstrates love, respect, wisdom, and concern for another person's dignity.

What does the Bible say about privacy and technology?
The Bible does not address AI glasses directly, but principles such as the Golden Rule, love for others, wisdom, and human dignity can guide how Christians use new technology.

How can Christians use AI glasses responsibly?
Ask before recording, think before sharing, protect children and vulnerable people, respect private situations, and consider whether the technology is helping you love and serve others well.

For Further Reading

Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.