🔶 France investigates sexual abuse with smart glasses
It is hard to distinguish smart glasses from regular glasses. A small light on the frame indicates the device is recording; glasses that are becoming increasingly challenging to use day-to-day.
French plaintiffs opened a criminal investigation into suspected cases of sexual harassment using smart glasses after receiving complaints about women filmed on the street without their knowledge and posted online.
Recently, the Paris prosecutor's office announced that at least one investigation has begun related to a trend on social networks and the use of these devices. The prosecution did not disclose the name or brand of the glasses used in this case.
Smart glasses combine regular glasses with features such as cameras, microphones, and increasingly artificial intelligence. Various models of these glasses are available on the market, but Meta's products, produced in partnership with the French-Italian company "אסילור לוקסוטיקה", hold about 76% of global sales.
AI-powered glasses have a small camera that allows users to take photos and record videos discreetly.
When about one million units of these glasses were sold last year, and Asilour Luxotica also announced "exponential growth" in sales in 2026.
The rapid success of these products caused regulators, plaintiffs, privacy advocates, and companies to pay more attention to the implications of using them.
The Paris prosecutor's office announced two weeks ago that the cybercrime unit examined smart glasses to determine which crimes they could be used for. No further details were provided.
Meta spokesperson said: "We have taken privacy into account in designing our AI glasses from the beginning." He added that the company will continue to strengthen protective measures while the technology becomes more advanced.
Asilour Luxotica refused to comment on that.
The French data protection authority has received fewer than 10 complaints so far about the use of smart glasses at work.
The institution says that employers are increasingly asking about the possibility of banning the use of these glasses at work.