The rapid adoption of AI-powered smart glasses is sparking a fierce privacy debate across Europe. These devices, which can capture photos, film videos, and interact with AI assistants, are becoming increasingly common. Therefore, concerns about smart glasses privacy are now at the forefront of public discussion and regulatory scrutiny.
Tech giant Meta has seen significant success with its smart spectacles. Developed with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica, these devices sold approximately seven million pairs in 2025. This marked a substantial increase from a total of two million units sold in 2023 and 2024. Kylie Jenner’s marketing tie-up also boosted their profile.
However, this exponential growth has triggered a considerable backlash. Concerns peaked last summer in Europe, particularly in Britain. Intense media coverage dubbed the devices “pervert glasses.” Reports also surfaced about Meta developing a facial recognition feature for these spectacles.
One incident involved a 17-year-old girl, who recounted being covertly recorded by a man using smart glasses. This testimony, given to a British broadcaster, highlighted fears of unwanted surveillance. Many individuals now worry about being filmed without their knowledge or consent.
Meta stated it has implemented measures to prevent tampering with the recording indicator light. This blinking LED is designed to signal when the device is active. The company claims these investments deter misuse, adding that services offering to disable the LED have consequently ceased operations.
Meanwhile, Norway’s capital, Oslo, recently banned the glasses in schools. The Norwegian government is now considering broader regulations, including a potential ban on public facial recognition features. There are similar calls for the European Union to address these issues.
France’s CNIL data protection watchdog has urged “vigilance” regarding the technology. Moreover, a Swedish designer, Mateusz Pozar, launched a “Ban Ray” website. This platform provides signs for venues to prohibit smart glasses and sells related stickers. Pozar’s initiative followed an incident where his girlfriend was recorded by two men wearing the devices.
Pozar emphasizes the need for a societal discussion about this technology before it becomes ubiquitous. He views his campaign as a catalyst for dialogue on privacy, personal rights, and data control. Furthermore, he raised alarms about data extraction, citing reports of workers reviewing graphic content captured by Meta’s AI glasses.
EU lawmaker Veronika Cifrova Ostrihonova has escalated the matter to the bloc’s executive body. She seeks clarification on whether the glasses comply with existing data protection and AI rules. Ostrihonova stressed the necessity of clear EU regulations and strong enforcement to safeguard fundamental rights.
The European Commission responded that national data protection authorities are responsible for monitoring and enforcing privacy rules. However, the independent European Data Protection Board has commissioned a report. This study, expected in autumn, will assess the “social acceptability” of smart glasses.
This report will guide the European Parliament, where concerns span the political spectrum. Lawmaker Alex Agius Saliba insists action is needed “as soon as possible.” He still refers to them as “pervert glasses” and advocates for a ban until their safety is proven.
In Britain and Ireland, a “Stop Smart Glasses” campaign has gained traction. Its petition has garnered over 9,100 signatures, nearing the 10,000 threshold that requires a government response. Guy Holder, a campaign co-founder, expresses deep concerns about the potential for “total surveillance” and an “invasion” of public spaces.
The debate around smart glasses privacy continues to intensify. Regulators and activists across Europe are demanding greater accountability and stricter controls. They aim to balance technological innovation with the protection of individual privacy.
