21. February 2026
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Judge Warns of Contempt After Meta AI Glasses Appear in Zuckerberg’s Court Hearing
During a major social media addiction trial in Los Angeles on February 18, 2026, a judge threatened members of Mark Zuckerberg’s team with contempt of court after they were seen wearing AI-enabled Meta Ray-Ban glasses — devices capable of recording video — into a courtroom where recording devices are banned.
Quick Insight: Courtroom rules usually forbid unauthorized recording technology. The judge made it clear that if anyone used the glasses to record inside the courtroom, they must delete that footage immediately or face penalties.
What Happened in Court
As Zuckerberg arrived at the Los Angeles Superior Court for testimony in a lawsuit claiming that social media platforms are designed to be addictive — especially for young users — his executive assistant and another person were spotted wearing the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses. Seeing the devices raised immediate concern with the judge.
Judge’s Order and Contempt Warning
Judge Carolyn B. Kuhl ordered anyone wearing the glasses to remove them and issued a warning: if any recordings were made using the AI glasses, the responsible person could be held in contempt of court — a serious legal sanction that can include fines or other penalties.
Why This Matters
The lawsuit at the center of this trial focuses on claims that major social media platforms, including Meta’s Instagram, were designed to encourage addictive use — particularly among younger users — contributing to mental health concerns. Zuckerberg is defending his company’s practices under close scrutiny.
Broader Tech and Privacy Concerns
The judge’s response reflects wider concerns about smart glasses and similar AI-enabled devices in sensitive settings. Though these technologies are becoming more common in daily life, courts strictly limit recording and surveillance inside legal proceedings to protect privacy and ensure fair trials.
Final Thoughts
This incident highlights the challenges of navigating legal and privacy rules in an era of rapidly evolving AI hardware. As wearable technology becomes more advanced, institutions may need clearer policies to balance innovation with legal safeguards.
Tip: Courtrooms have strict rules about recording devices. Even seemingly harmless technology can be prohibited to protect privacy and the integrity of a trial.
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