EU watchdog urges smart glasses to clearly signal when recording

Advisory comes amid growing concern about the devices being used to secretly record girls and women.The European Union’s data watchdog has called for smart glasses to clearly show when they are recording, saying bystanders have the right to know when they are being photographed or filmed.The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) issued the non-binding recommendation on Tuesday, amid mounting concern about the devices being used to secretly record girls and women.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump threatens tariffs for countries that levy digital tax on US firmslist 2 of 3EU hits Google with new $1bn fine, saying it broke digital antitrust ruleslist 3 of 3Trump threatens EU will pay ‘big price’ after Brussels fines Google $1bnend of listIt said the use of smart glasses – which can resemble ordinary glasses but also take photos and videos, make phone calls and translate text when connected to the internet – raises “serious privacy concerns”.EDPB chair Anu Talus said the glasses should have clear signals when they are recording, such as “bright LED lights, audio signals or voice activation cues, privacy-friendly smartphone notifications, or unique designs”.“These warnings need to be reliable, hard to ignore, and always up to date,” said Talus. “Even in public spaces, bystanders should clearly understand that someone is filming or photographing them.”The devices carry greater risks in “sensitive” spaces like schools and hospitals, as well as public spots like beaches, and raised concerns about children who are “more vulnerable to covert or intrusive processing of their personal data”, the EDPB warned.A visitor tries out augmented reality glasses at an electronics trade fair, in Berlin, Germany September 6, 2024 [File: Adam Berry/Getty Images]The advisory comes amid campaigns in several European countries to ban or restrict smart glasses over privacy concerns.