Controversy is growing in London over smart glasses and privacy concerns

In London, calls to limit the use of smart glasses in public places are increasing, amid growing fears that they could be used to photograph people and record their voices without their knowledge, at a time when laws are still struggling to keep pace with the rapid development in recording and imaging technologies, according to the American newspaper CNN.

These glasses allow the wearer to take photos, video clips, and record audio from the person's own perspective, without the need to use a mobile phone or a traditional camera. As its spread expanded, bars, restaurants, theaters and entertainment venues in London began imposing restrictions on its use, while advertisements appeared at some bus stations criticizing this technology and warning of its dangers to privacy.

Essilor Luxottica, which specializes in the eyewear industry and cooperates with Meta in producing its smart glasses, said that sales of glasses equipped with artificial intelligence reached 7 million pairs during the year 2025.

On the other hand, major technology companies are moving to expand their presence in this field. It is expected that “Meta” will unveil a new model of smart glasses without cameras during its “Connect” conference this week, according to what was reported by “The Information” website. Samsung and Google are also expected to launch new smart glasses jointly developed by the two companies this fall.

But the rapid spread of these devices is accompanied by growing controversy over privacy and consent. Video clips spread on social media, in which men appear to be filming women without their knowledge, have raised questions about the extent of the ability of current laws to protect individuals from secret recording.

Irina Raico, director of the Internet Ethics Program at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, told CNN earlier that protecting oneself has become more difficult with the spread of technologies that allow for almost hidden recording. She added that this raises increasing questions about the concept of “consent” itself.

London is testing the reaction

London stands out, along with New York and Australia, as one of the arenas in which the reaction of the public and business owners to the increasing spread of smart glasses is crystallizing.

Some hospitality and entertainment venues have begun to impose bans or restrictions on their use. Advertisements criticizing smart glasses also appeared in London, including an ad mocking a campaign by star Kylie Jenner to promote “Meta” glasses, and showing her in an image resembling a skeleton with an X-ray, under the phrase: “We are always watching.”

These measures come in a broader context in Britain. A ban on the use of smart glasses in courtrooms came into effect in August.

Residents in London say that the problem is not necessarily related to photography itself, but rather the inability of people in the place to know whether they are in front of a working camera or not.

In places such as bars and restaurants; As people expect a degree of privacy during their social interactions, the presence of these devices creates an increasing sense of unease.

“I don't want to be photographed.”

The famous British pub chain, Wetherspoons, has banned its customers from using smart glasses to record photos and video clips inside its branches.

Zach, a student who was present at one of the chain's branches in central London, told CNN: "I don't want to be photographed while I'm out having a good time and having a few drinks."