DK Shivakumar Raises Spyware Concerns, Claims Industrialist Wore Meta AI Glasses During Meeting

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has alleged that an industrialist wearing Meta AI smart glasses attempted to secretly record him during a meeting. He also claimed that the visitor had worn the device while meeting Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan.

The allegations, made in an interview with Kannada broadcaster Asianet Suvarna News, have added a new dimension to the ongoing political controversy over alleged sting operations targeting Congress leaders in Karnataka.

Shivakumar said the visitor initially discussed business matters but later shifted the conversation to politics, including booth-level strategies. The change in subject, along with the smart glasses worn by the visitor, raised his suspicions, prompting him to ask officials to conduct a background check.

The Deputy Chief Minister has not publicly identified the industrialist or provided publicly verifiable evidence that a recording was made during the meeting.

What Shivakumar Said About the Smart Glasses

Shivakumar said an industrialist had obtained an appointment with him through officials. According to the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister, the visitor wore Meta smart glasses during their meeting and subsequently steered the discussion towards political matters.

He said an initial inquiry by his officials suggested that the same person had worn the glasses during a meeting with Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan. Shivakumar also claimed the visitor had not worn them while meeting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a Union minister.

The claims have not been independently established. Shivakumar has not disclosed the visitor's identity or presented evidence confirming that the glasses were used to record either meeting.

Karnataka Sting Operation Controversy

The latest allegations come amid a political dispute over purported sting-operation videos linked to former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy has alleged that a sting operation was used to pressure Siddaramaiah into leaving the chief minister's post. Shivakumar has rejected allegations against him and claimed that attempts were also made to target him through similar operations.

The controversy intensified in October after Shivakumar warned Cabinet colleagues to remain alert to alleged attempts to entrap political leaders. Congress MLA Ravikumar Ganiga subsequently claimed that a Union minister and a Karnataka BJP leader had financed an agency to target state leaders. These allegations have not been established publicly.

Investigation Into Alleged Sting Videos

The Karnataka government has said that the existing investigation into the controversy will continue. At a Cabinet meeting on October 15, ministers discussed the possibility of constituting a Special Investigation Team (SIT), but no separate SIT was announced at that stage. The decision on further action was left to Shivakumar.

Shivakumar said on October 17 that he had left the investigation to the Home Department. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah has sought action to establish the facts surrounding the purported videos, and a Bengaluru court has granted interim relief restricting the circulation of disputed material.

The allegations involving the industrialist and Meta smart glasses add another element to the controversy. However, the identity of those allegedly involved, whether covert recordings took place and the purpose behind the suspected operation remain unresolved.

What Are Meta AI Smart Glasses?

Meta's smart glasses, developed in partnership with eyewear maker EssilorLuxottica under the Ray-Ban Meta brand, combine conventional eyewear with features such as a camera, microphones, audio playback and AI-powered assistance.

The glasses can capture photos and videos, making privacy a concern when people nearby are unaware that recording may be taking place. Meta has previously said its glasses include a capture indicator light that flashes when a photo or video is taken and cannot be switched off through normal operation.

In Shivakumar's case, however, the presence of smart glasses alone does not establish that a recording was made or that the device was used for a sting operation. Those questions remain subject to verification.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 07:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).