Warning issued over smart glasses use

People who use smart glasses are being urged to act responsibly and consider the impact on other people's privacy.

Information Commissioners across the Crown Dependencies have issued a joint advisory to raise awareness of the data protection and privacy considerations.

They are warning that these devices can capture people, conversations and personal details without their knowledge.

The technology is becoming increasingly popular, and allow the wearer to take photographs, record video and capture audio at the tap of a frame.

While they offer benefits, such as to people with disabilities, their discreet design makes it difficult for people to know if they are being recorded.

The data captured may not only stay on the device but can be stored or processed by the manufacturer, included through cloud services.

Workplaces and businesses using smart glasses are being advised to think carefully about the purpose of their use, and how information captured will be handled.

Brent Homan, Data Protection Commissioner, Bailiwick of Guernsey said:

“Public spaces do not erase privacy rights.

"While smart glasses can empower individuals to navigate their lives, especially those with disabilities, they can and must be used in a manner that respects the dignity and rights of others.”

Paul Vane, Information Commissioner for Jersey:

"As with any recording device, whether that be CCTV, dashcam, helmet cam, video doorbell, or even a mobile phone, the user is expected to act responsibly and consider the privacy impacts of its use on other people.

"Equally, those affected must also feel able to exercise their statutory rights under data protection laws and feel empowered to challenge users who have not been transparent about the use of the technology.

Organisations and individuals using the technology are being urged to do so respectfully, and review the practical steps the Information Commissioners have put together:

 Data Protection Advisory: Smart Glasses | Jersey OIC

The Joint Data Protection Advisory also offers advice to members of the public:

Learn to recognise when a device is recording. Meta states that its glasses show a white LED light when the camera is active, and that the camera will switch off if the light is covered or tampered with. The light may be hard to see in bright daylight, and not everyone knows what it means, so it is worth knowing to look for it. If you see the light, or someone tells their glasses to take a photo or video, a recording may be taking place.

Take extra care with children and in private spaces. Children's personal data needs extra protection. If you believe a child or vulnerable person is being recorded or targeted by someone using smart glasses, and it is safe to do so, remove them from the situation, note relevant details where appropriate, and contact the relevant safeguarding authority.

Know your rights and how to raise a concern. Data protection law gives people rights over their personal information, including the right to be informed about how it is used, to access it, and in some cases to have it deleted. Children have these rights too, and parents or guardians may be able to exercise them on a child's behalf. If your or your child's personal data is misused, or harmful content is created or shared, you can report it to the platform or service involved and ask for it to be removed, and you may also be able to raise a concern with your local data protection authority. Ifyou have concerns regarding potential criminal activity, you should also report it to the police.