Meta's Smart Glasses Test Facial Recognition from Pentagon Contractor
2 hours ago
Meta is testing facial recognition software for its smart glasses, using technology licensed from Rank One Computing, a company that derives about 80% of its revenue from government clients including the Pentagon and police. A WIRED investigation found a leaked, still-active license linking Meta to Rank One, whose board includes a former CIA deputy director and former FBI science chief. The development has raised surveillance concerns.
Why this matters
- Major story by our editors' read
Key facts
- Meta is testing facial recognition software on its smart glasses, which is used by police and military.Confirmed by multiple sources · CNET, Gizmodo, The Next Web, Wired
- The facial recognition technology was licensed from Rank One Computing, a Pentagon contractor.Confirmed by multiple sources · The Next Web, Wired
- Rank One Computing draws roughly 80% of its revenue from government contracts.Confirmed by multiple sources · The Next Web, Wired
- The license linking Meta to Rank One was leaked and remained active at the time of reporting.Reported by a single source · The Next Web
- Rank One's board includes a former CIA deputy director and a former FBI science chief.Reported by a single source · Wired

Timeline
CNET· United States
Meta's Smart Glasses Are Testing Facial Recognition Software Used by Police and the Military
Gizmodo· United States
Meta Is Testing Police Surveillance Tech for Its Smart Glasses
The Next Web· United States
Meta face recognition for its glasses came from a Pentagon contractor, WIRED reports
Wired· United States
Meta Tapped a Pentagon Supplier to Prototype Face Recognition for Its Glasses
Sources by country
United States · English
CNET
Meta's Smart Glasses Are Testing Facial Recognition Software Used by Police and the Military
Gizmodo
Meta Is Testing Police Surveillance Tech for Its Smart Glasses
The Next Web
Meta face recognition for its glasses came from a Pentagon contractor, WIRED reports
Wired
Meta Tapped a Pentagon Supplier to Prototype Face Recognition for Its Glasses