EU watchdog urges smart glasses to clearly signal when recording

What the report says

The European Union’s data protection watchdog has urged makers of smart glasses to make it obvious when the devices are recording, arguing that people nearby should be able to tell when they are being filmed or photographed. The European Data Protection Board issued the non-binding advice on Tuesday, according to Al Jazeera, citing privacy risks linked to glasses that can look ordinary while also capturing images, video, calls and translations when connected to the internet.

The watchdog said the concern is especially acute in places such as schools, hospitals and beaches, and for children and other vulnerable people. Board chair Anu Talus said potential warnings could include bright lights, audio cues, smartphone notifications or other design features that are difficult to miss. The guidance reflects growing unease in Europe about covert recording with wearable tech.

Al Jazeera reported that several countries and groups are already pushing back. Norway has said it is worried about privacy intrusions and wants a temporary ban in some public places, while Oslo has already barred camera-equipped glasses in schools. In France, an online abuse hotline operator has warned about recorded videos being shared without consent, and prosecutors have opened a criminal inquiry tied to reports of smart glasses being used to film women on the street. In the UK and Ireland, a petition campaign has also called for sales restrictions.