Europe confronts ‘pervert’ smart glasses after secret recordings surface

Camera-equipped smart glasses moved further into mainstream visibility after major marketing campaigns and rising sales. Meta's partnership with EssilorLuxottica resulted in millions of units sold over recent years, and other companies are preparing similar products. As these devices spread, incidents of covert filming have triggered a public backlash.

This summer several reports circulated in Europe about girls and women being secretly filmed by people wearing smart glasses. Media coverage intensified after retail promotions involving high-profile figures. In at least one case reported to British media a 17-year-old said she was approached and covertly recorded by a man wearing the glasses.

• Campaigns and petitions: A Stop Smart Glasses campaign in the UK and Ireland has gathered thousands of signatures calling for a sales ban and urging stores to withdraw devices. The petition had more than 9,500 signatures and would require a government response if it reaches 10,000.
• Venue-level action: A Swedish designer created a 'Ban Ray' site offering signage and stickers venues can use to keep smart glasses out. The designer started the project after an incident that made his partner uncomfortable.
• School policy: Oslo banned the glasses in schools while Norway's government considers further regulation and possible public-feature bans.

National data protection authorities and lawmakers are taking notice. France's data watchdog has urged vigilance. A Slovak member of the European Parliament asked the European Commission whether these devices comply with data protection and artificial intelligence rules and is awaiting a response. The European Commission has pointed to national authorities as responsible for monitoring and enforcing privacy rules.

The independent European Data Protection Board commissioned a report on the social acceptability of the glasses, expected later in the year, which will inform lawmakers in the European Parliament. Some legislators have called for an immediate ban until safety and consent mechanisms are demonstrated.

Industry actions and company statements

Meta said it has taken steps to prevent tampering with the blinking LED that indicates recording. The company claimed those investments are having a deterrent effect and noted that businesses offering to disable the LED have shut down.

Campaigners and some commentators also raise broader questions about consent, the atmosphere created when filming in public becomes commonplace, and the handling of sensitive content by human reviewers. Reports emerged about content review being carried out by remote workers, which fueled worries about data extraction and oversight.

• National rulings and school policies: More local bans or restrictions could appear as conservative responses to public concern.
• Parliament follow-up will shape harmonized rules or recommendations.
• Industry changes: Manufacturers may change hardware indicators, features, or sales practices in response to regulation and reputational pressure.