• 2 min read
DuckDuckGo’s $35 sunglasses reject AI surveillance
DuckDuckGo’s $35 Normal F* ****** Sunglasses have polarized lenses, UV400 protection, and no cameras, microphones, or AI features.
Image: CNET
DuckDuckGo is selling $35 sunglasses designed to make a statement about privacy: they contain no cameras, microphones, or artificial intelligence features.
The privacy-focused search engine and browser company created the product with eyewear maker Knockaround, positioning the shades as an “anti-surveillance” alternative to camera- and audio-enabled smart glasses from Meta and other companies. DuckDuckGo’s argument is deliberately simple: the best way to protest glasses that can record people without consent is not to buy them.
The product carries the playful name *Normal F **** Sunglasses. The matte-black frames use Knockaround’s Paso Robles design, which resembles classic Ray-Ban Wayfarers and includes a small DuckDuckGo logo. The polarized lenses also provide UV400 protection.
“We see the new wave of AI glasses as yet another privacy-invasive technology from Big Tech, so we created a satirical campaign around them and released Normal F****** Sunglasses. Why? Because ultimately, the only truly privacy-respecting glasses are ones without cameras, mics, or AI listening in on you and others you come into contact with.”
The product website describes the glasses as offering zero cameras, zero notifications, a seamless offline mode, and “infinite charge life.” Those features are jokes built around the fact that the sunglasses have no electronics to charge or connect.
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DuckDuckGo also cited CEO Gabriel Weinberg, who has publicly said that “AI surveillance should be banned while there is still time.” The Onion published its own satirical response, including fictional complaints that the glasses are “useless for perverts” and force privacy violators to work “the old-fashioned way: From the bushes.”
DuckDuckGo said a significant percentage of the inventory has sold, but added that it is still too early to release sales data.
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via CNET
