French prosecutors opened a criminal investigation into sexual harassment using smart glasses. Women were filmed in the street without their knowledge. The footage was posted online. The Paris prosecutor’s office linked the case to a social media trend. Smart glasses combine cameras, microphones and AI. Meta and EssilorLuxottica dominate the market with 76 percent of global sales. Meta’s AI glasses allow discreet photo and video recording. France’s CNIL received fewer than 10 workplace complaints about the devices. Employers are asking whether they can ban smart glasses. Australia may ban them in government workplaces. Some UK cinemas have already prohibited them. A German consumer group filed a criminal complaint against Meta. EU AI Act and GDPR apply to AI wearables in Europe.
What changed
Smart glasses could record people without any legal scrutiny or public awareness.
What it unlocks
Prosecutors can now investigate misuse of AI-enabled recording devices in public spaces.
- 7 million pairs sold last year
- 76% market share for Meta-EssilorLuxottica
- €45,000 fine for non-consensual recording
- 1 year prison for non-consensual recording
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