{
  "id": 14237445,
  "title": "EU watchdog says smart glasses must give 'clear warnings' when recording",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/eu-watchdog-says-smart-glasses-must-give-clear-warnings-when-recording",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-13T15:59:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Economic Times Tech",
    "slug": "economic-times-tech",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/eu-watchdog-says-smart-glasses-must-give-clear-warnings-when-recording/articleshow/134921868.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The European Union's data regulator has advised smart glasses to provide clear warnings when they are recording, following public concern over covertly filmed footage of girls and women. The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) issued non-binding guidance to users and manufacturers, emphasizing that smart glasses pose significant privacy risks. These devices, which resemble regular glasses but contain cameras and microphones, can be connected to the internet, enabling various functions such as photo and video capture, music playback, phone calls, text translation, and AI interactions. EDPB chair Anu Talus stated that smart glasses should make their recording obvious through visual indicators like LED lights, audio cues, voice activation signals, privacy-friendly notifications, or distinct designs. These warnings must be dependable, difficult to ignore, and consistently current. The regulator highlighted increased risks in sensitive environments like schools, hospitals, and public places, particularly for vulnerable individuals like children. The EU's strict data protection rules require users to comply with regulations when sharing photos or videos on public social media or in professional settings. Meta's smart glasses, created in collaboration with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, are the most widely sold globally, featuring a blinking LED light during recording. The company claims to have implemented measures to prevent light manipulation, a major concern for users. Other companies like Google and Snap are developing their own AI-powered glasses as tech giants pursue wearable tech innovation. Europe is witnessing growing dissent, with Norway advocating for a temporary ban on smart glasses in certain public spaces due to privacy worries. Oslo, the capital, has already prohibited camera-equipped glasses in schools. France's e-Enfance association, which handles online abuse cases, has also expressed concern about camera-equipped glasses and their shared videos. A \"Stop Smart Glasses\" campaign in Britain and Ireland garnered over 10,000 signatures, compelling the UK government to respond.",
  "summary": "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…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}