Europe calls for action over ‘pervert’ smart glasses

Brussels is witnessing growing calls for action against "pervert" smart glasses following the circulation of secretly recorded footage involving girls and women online. A petition in Britain is demanding a ban on the sale of these devices, which can take photos, film videos, listen to music, make phone calls, translate text, and interact with AI assistants.

Sales of smart glasses have surged to millions, propelled by advancements in artificial intelligence and the popularity of smart devices in daily life. Notably, Meta, the tech giant behind the popular smart glasses, sold seven million units in 2025, up from two million in 2023 and 2024 combined. However, the rapid growth has sparked concerns over privacy and data protection, particularly in Europe.

In Britain, a 17-year-old girl reported being covertly recorded by a man using these glasses. In response, Oslo, Norway's capital, banned smart glasses in schools, and the EU is discussing the need for comprehensive regulations. Meanwhile, a Swedish designer has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the privacy implications of these devices.

EU lawmakers and data protection authorities are also grappling with the challenge of ensuring that new technologies respect fundamental rights while preventing potential abuses.