Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 2 hrs ago
EU watchdog says smart glasses need clear recording warnings
The EU’s data protection board says smart glasses should clearly signal when recording.
The guidance applies to glasses that look ordinary but can take photos, record video and connect to online services.
The board says cameras and microphones can capture people without their knowledge.
It recommends obvious warnings, such as bright lights, sounds or smartphone notifications that are reliable and hard to miss.
The board highlights risks in places such as schools and hospitals, and says children may be especially vulnerable.
Its guidance is non-binding, but people who share images publicly or use them for official or professional purposes must follow EU data protection rules.
The advice comes amid growing privacy concerns, including calls for limits on smart glasses in some public places.
More AI-powered glasses are expected, as companies including Google and Snap prepare products for release.
The European Data Protection Board said smart glasses should give clear warnings whenever they are recording.
The regulator issued non-binding guidance amid concern about people being filmed without their knowledge.
It said warnings could include bright lights, audio signals, voice cues, smartphone notifications or distinctive designs.
The board highlighted privacy risks in sensitive places, including schools and hospitals, and risks to children.
- Who
- The European Data Protection Board, the European Union’s data regulator.
- What
- It said smart glasses should make recording obvious through clear, reliable warnings.
- When
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The guidance applies in the European Union; specific locations of its announcement are not stated.
- Why
- To raise awareness of privacy risks, including people being recorded without their knowledge.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Public outcry grew over secretly filmed footage of girls and women.
Norway’s government said it wanted a temporary ban on smart glasses in certain public places.
The European Data Protection Board issued non-binding guidance calling for clear recording warnings.
- Guidance
- Non-binding
- Suggested warnings
- Bright LED lights, audio signals, voice cues, smartphone notifications or unique designs
- Sensitive places
- Schools and hospitals
- Children
- The board said they are more vulnerable to covert or intrusive processing of personal data
- Meta glasses
- Developed with EssilorLuxottica and have a blinking LED light when recording
What people are saying
These devices look like ordinary glasses, but they include cameras and microphones and are connected to the internet. This raises serious privacy concerns, as individuals may be recorded without their knowledge,
These warnings need to be reliable, hard to ignore and always up to date.
Sources
Related news
Apple unveils $299 HomeView hub, with some AI features needing an iPhone or iPad
Apple launches smart home accessories with LG and Schneider Electric
Google Play lets users run private AI-built Android apps
No evidence Ukraine’s strikes on Yandex cut Russian influence operations
Dutch organisations develop MyCheck digital identity wallet
Apple’s smart home hub is expected to use the name HomeView
Facebook lets users guide recommendations with “Your Algorithm”
Microsoft releases October security updates for Windows 11
Googlebook prioritizes AI development over Linux app support for now
OnePlus lists 24 devices set to receive Android 17 with ColorOS
Parents and child advocates urge TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to adopt Meta safeguards
