EU Watchdog Says Smart Glasses Must Give 'Clear Warnings' when Recording
The watchdog said recording should be clearly signaled as Europe weighs tighter rules for devices that can film, listen and share data.
- On Tuesday, October 13, 2026, the European Data Protection Board warned that smart glasses raise "serious privacy concerns," urging manufacturers to ensure recording functions are obvious to bystanders.
- Regulators acted following public outcry in recent months over secretly filmed footage of women and girls, which left individuals vulnerable to covert processing of personal data.
- EDPB Chair Anu Talus said manufacturers must provide "clear warnings," such as bright LED lights and audio signals, that remain "reliable, hard to ignore and always up to date."
- Norway's government said last week it wants a temporary ban on smart glasses in certain public places, while a "Stop Smart Glasses" campaign in Britain and Ireland reached more than 10,000 signatures.
- As Big Tech firms like Meta, Google, and Snap prepare to expand AI-powered eyewear, regulators are increasing pressure to ensure devices adhere to the European Union's stringent data protection rules.
32 Articles
32 Articles
In September, the e-Enfance association reported having received some 20 reports of women filmed without their consent.
Connected glasses should clearly indicate when they are spinning, taking pictures or recording sound, in the name of privacy, demanded Tuesday the European regulator in charge
berlingske.dk
It should be clear if you are wearing smart glasses and recording your surroundings, the EU Council believes.
Smart glasses, which looks like ordinary glasses but can capture images and interact with AI assistants, must give 'clear wars' when they are recording, the European Union's data regulator said Tuesday. The statement comes friendly an outcry over privacy violations.
The Economic Times
EU watchdog says smart glasses must give 'clear warnings' when recording
The European Union's central data regulator on Tuesday said smart glasses should give "clear warnings" when they are recording, after a public outcry in recent months over secretly filmed footage of girls and women. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) warned in its non-binding guidance to users and manufacturers that smart glasses raised "serious privacy concerns" as it seeks to increase awareness about the risks.
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