12 Comments

The example of the burglar is suitably terrifying, but sadly I think you’re giving Zuckerberg too much credit (in a piece that’s already plenty critical of him). What’s to stop him from having exactly the same software you describe, running all the time, tracking every person that each glasses wearer walks past? Sure, he won’t be breaking into your house, but he’ll have a profile built for you anyway (whether you have an account with any of his websites or not), and will happily sell information on all your movements to any advertisers willing to pay enough. I think the goal of these products absolutely is to invade the privacy of those who don’t use his products, more than it is to collect even more information on those that do.

Expand full comment

No amount of tech will make folks who don't need to wear glasses, wear them. Especially dorky looking ones. UNLESS....using AI and AR they undress every single person you gaze at!

There is my next unicorn idea Masa. Hit me up and we can make a super nova!

Expand full comment

I just happened to encounter your Substack and I freaked out. Astonishing writing you have!!

Expand full comment

Gracias Miguel!!

Expand full comment

Jajajajajaja cómo no lo pensé dos veces

Eres de Latinoamérica o de España?

Saludes desde Medellín, Col.

Expand full comment

Madrileño de España! Saludos!

Expand full comment

Nicely written prose! Of course, the converse case might be that even the wearer has no privacy from Meta or law enforcement.

Expand full comment

Your interesting piece highlights the unpleasant truth that universal privacy is probably unattainable. Perhaps further advances in technology will one day create universal transparency, which is the next best alternative to privacy, in my view.

Expand full comment

It's time for proactive counter-tech. Surely there must be a small spectrum-jammer that could be worn on the belt, or carried in a pocket. Who cares if they are legal or not? Being surveilled 24/7 carries its own risk, as your story points out.

Expand full comment

All the better reason to wear a bag over ones head

Expand full comment

Learning about people near by could be a great dating app and friendly conversation app.

Lunch on the plaza. Who has told facebook they're approachable for the next hour?

.

I want Meta to block face recognition except when the face gives permission.

How? Figure it out.

Expand full comment

I don't think privacy will be the main problem we will face with the metaverse. There is an almost philosophical and dangerous attraction in it that Zuckerberg and company know well. They are spending so much money trying to fully exploit this attraction, and which is reminiscent of Plato's allegory of the cave: https://jajugon.substack.com/p/la-atraccion-de-la-metaverna

Expand full comment