In a disturbing trend, women in the UK, US, and Australia are being secretly filmed by men using smart glasses, with footage posted on TikTok for ‘dating advice’ content, leading to widespread online harassment and significant distress. This misuse of wearable technology raises critical concerns about privacy and consent in the digital age.
The incidents involve influencers who covertly record interactions using devices like Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses, which have discreet cameras. For instance, Dilara, a 21-year-old in London, was filmed during a lunch break conversation that was later uploaded to TikTok, receiving 1.3 million views and exposing her phone number. Similarly, Kim, 56, was recorded on a beach in West Sussex, and her video garnered 6.9 million views, revealing personal details about her employment and family.
Other victims, such as Oonagh in Brighton and Kate in London, have shared similar experiences. Oonagh was filmed on a beach without her knowledge, and the video accumulated about a million views with sexually explicit comments, making her feel ‘afraid to go out in public.’ Kate was approached at the gym, and her video quickly reached 50,000 views, accompanied by offensive remarks that affected her self-esteem and mental health.
Tech companies have taken some action but face criticism. TikTok removed videos after reports, citing violations of community guidelines on bullying and harassment, yet initial reviews often found no issues. Meta asserts that its smart glasses have an LED light to indicate recording, but investigations reveal that this light can be disabled, and none of the women saw it during filming.
Legally, filming without consent in public is not specifically illegal in the UK, though it can be addressed under harassment laws. Privacy lawyer Jamie Hurworth explains that while public filming isn’t prohibited, posting such videos online can violate an individual’s right to privacy. Experts like Dr. Jason Nurse emphasize that legislation struggles to keep pace with technological advancements, complicating enforcement.
The impact on victims has been severe. Dilara endured weeks of constant phone calls and messages, with men appearing at her workplace, while Kim received thousands of sexual messages and felt ‘totally disrespected.’ Both women described the experience as a ‘violation’ that shattered their trust in everyday interactions, leading to emotional turmoil and anxiety.
Calls for regulatory changes are intensifying. Rebecca Hitchen from the End Violence Against Women Coalition advocates for tech firms to implement proactive measures and for stronger legal frameworks. The UK government has recognized the issue, with Minister Jess Phillips condemning covert filming and promising to address it in upcoming strategies on violence against women and girls.
As smart glasses gain popularity, with millions sold globally, there is an urgent need for enhanced safeguards and public education. This trend highlights the necessity for updated laws and ethical standards to prevent the exploitation of individuals through emerging technologies, ensuring that innovation prioritizes personal safety and dignity.
