AI-Powered 'Voyeur' Glasses Spark Concern, Officials Seek Solutions
New smart glasses technology allows users to take photos, record videos, listen to music, make phone calls, translate text, or interact with AI. Sales of smart glasses have reached millions of units.
The devices have recently gained significant attention following a marketing collaboration between Kylie Jenner and tech giant Meta.
As smartphones have become deeply integrated into daily life, Big Tech companies increasingly view glasses as a key wearable technology, bolstered by advancements in AI. Meta sold approximately 7 million pairs of glasses in 2025, an increase from a total of 2 million in 2023 and 2024. Other companies, including Google and Snap, are also preparing to launch AI-powered eyewear.
However, this growth has brought controversy. Concerns peaked during the summer in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom, which saw media reports regarding ‘voyeuristic glasses’ and reports that Meta is developing facial recognition features to be integrated into the devices.
In one instance, a 17-year-old girl told the British television station Channel 4 News last August how she was approached by a man who secretly recorded her and their interaction.
In response to inquiries from AFP, Meta stated that it has taken several steps to prevent misuse, such as using flashing LED lights intended to notify others that the device is recording. “This investment has already had a deterrent effect,” the company said. Meta stated that companies offering services to disable these LED lights have been shut down as a result.
Meanwhile, the capital of Norway, Oslo, has banned the use of glasses in schools. The government is considering regulating their use and contemplating a ban on features that enable public facial recognition.
Furthermore, the European Union is being urged to address this issue. European Parliament Member Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova told AFP that she raised the issue after the first case of a woman being filmed secretly, to determine whether the glasses comply with data protection and AI regulations.
“I am still awaiting an answer,” said the Slovakian Member of Parliament. “We need clear regulations and strong law enforcement to ensure that new technologies do not sacrifice our fundamental rights.”