Reports are emerging globally detailing how sophisticated smart glasses equipped with hidden cameras are being used by some individuals to covertly film women during casual public interactions. These incidents, often shared on platforms like Instagram and TikTok by self-styled "pick-up artists," have left subjects feeling exposed and distressed after the footage goes viral, according to reporting by The Independent.
One Vancouver woman, Kassy Zanjani, discovered a flattering but unwanted interaction with a man wearing sunglasses had been recorded and posted online, leading her to believe vulnerable women are being targeted for content creation. Similarly, women in the UK and Australia reported being filmed without consent while declining advances, only learning about the recording weeks later when the videos accrued millions of views.
The technology itself contributes to the problem, as modern smart glasses are becoming less obtrusive, making it difficult for subjects to detect recording activity. Victims describe feeling powerless, noting that by the time they become aware, the content has already circulated widely, often attracting abusive or derogatory commentary.
Legal recourse appears limited in several jurisdictions; for instance, UK law reportedly permits filming in public spaces without consent, leaving victims with few immediate options for content removal. While Meta states its glasses feature an LED indicator when recording, users can tamper with this feature, circumventing the intended transparency.
In more extreme cases, smart glasses have been linked to illegal activity, such as a UK man recently pleading guilty to voyeurism for recording sexual activity without consent using such a device. This highlights the dual-use nature of the technology, moving beyond social media stunts into serious criminal offenses.
Advocacy groups, including the End Violence Against Women coalition, warn that the non-consensual sharing of such footage poses significant safety risks, especially if personal details are inadvertently captured and subsequently used for doxxing or harassment.
While some victims have successfully pressured platforms or creators to remove content, the inconsistent enforcement and existing legal frameworks mean that individuals often have little control over their digital likeness once these recordings are made public.
