Smart glasses are going mainstream. Do current privacy laws protect us from the risks?

Camera glasses have become increasingly popular in Australia, thanks to Kmart's recently released "camera glasses" from their Anko brand. These glasses, priced at A$89, offer similar functionality to pricier models from Meta and Ray-Ban. Although smart glasses were initially launched by Google in 2013, they failed to gain traction due to limitations in technology, appearance, and public perception.

Modern smart glasses, such as Kmart's budget option, feature embedded cameras, microphones, speakers, and memory storage for recording photos, videos, and sounds. These devices can be connected to an app on the user's phone, allowing for editing, sharing, and uploading of recorded content. The primary privacy concern surrounding this technology is the potential for covert filming of bystanders and unsuspecting individuals in public spaces, which could lead to harassment, voyeurism, stalking, and other forms of abuse.

Additionally, these glasses could pose physical risks by distracting users and creating visual distractions that may result in accidents. Companies and employers should also consider the risks of recording confidential information, trade secrets, or bank account details. The Australian privacy laws, which are fragmented and outdated, may not effectively protect individuals from these risks.

While there are existing laws that address invasion of privacy, recording conversations without consent, and online harassment, they are not specifically designed to cover the unique challenges posed by smart glasses. A more nuanced approach to regulation and the development of privacy-by-design principles in technology may be necessary to balance the potential benefits of these devices with the need to protect privacy and mitigate the risks associated with their use.