{
  "id": 9635489,
  "title": "CNA Explains: Smart glasses and the law in Singapore – when does filming a stranger cross the line?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/cna-explains-smart-glasses-and-the-law-in-singapore-when-does-filming",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-24T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/smart-glasses-filming-public-legal-6407846"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Singapore, filming in public is not inherently illegal, as individuals typically do not have an expectation of privacy in such settings, according to a lawyer. However, the actor's intent behind the filming can factor into whether the act is considered illegal. If the filming occurs repeatedly or for a prolonged period, it could potentially be considered stalking under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA). Additionally, publishing the footage online can lead to liability if it causes harassment, defamation, or misuse of personal data. The Films Act also applies if the footage involves obscene materials. While no specific requirement exists to blur a filmed subject's face, blurring may be considered prudent, particularly in sensitive situations or when minors are involved. The rise of smart glasses has made covert recording more difficult to detect, allowing for longer periods of filming without notice. Existing criminal laws in Singapore are broad enough to cover unlawful use of such devices. However, using these technologies to evade detection or conceal criminal activity is considered an aggravating factor. Lawyers advise reporting the matter to authorities or security personnel on-site, as the individual being filmed does not have the right to examine the suspect's recording device. Once the authorities become involved, they can seize the suspect's phone for digital forensic examination. Personal safety should be prioritized, and evidence of the incident should be preserved, such as timestamps, locations, descriptions of the suspect, and screenshots or links to any online publications.",
  "summary": "Filming in public is not automatically illegal, since a person generally has no expectation of privacy in that setting, a lawyer says.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "CNA Explains: Smart glasses and the law in Singapore – when does filming a stranger cross the line?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/cna-explains-smart-glasses-and-the-law-in-singapore-when-does-filming-9639942",
        "published": "2026-09-24T22:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}