Smart glasses pose privacy risks - the Personal Data Protection Office warns

Smart glasses, although they resemble ordinary glasses, contain miniature devices capable of recording sound and images. They usually connect to the internet and increasingly operate in conjunction with artificial intelligence. This creates serious threats to privacy – as research conducted by the French data protection authority (CNIL) shows, 67 per cent of respondents recognise such risks.

Mirosław Wróblewski, President of the Personal Data Protection Office, reminds the public that any processing of data for purposes other than purely personal or household use is subject to the rules laid down in the GDPR. Recording images and sound may constitute the processing of personal data if it involves capturing someone’s likeness, such as their face or voice. Moreover, it is the user of such equipment who bears responsibility for collecting and disseminating data. These types of devices therefore generate numerous privacy risks.

Use of smart glasses

One of the main risks associated with the use of smart glasses is recording without the knowledge or consent of people nearby. In addition, the continuous recording of surroundings may create a sense of constant monitoring and lack of freedom. The scope of data processed by smart glasses is also problematic, as it is not limited solely to images and sound. Collected data may be transferred to third countries that do not provide an adequate level of data protection. There is also a serious risk of unlawful publication of such recordings, as well as their analysis and combination with other information by artificial intelligence tools.

How to use smart glasses in compliance with the GDPR

The Personal Data Protection Office explains how to use such glasses responsibly and presents good practices in this area. First and foremost, the user should familiarise themselves with the instructions and the rules governing data processing by their device. They can then configure its settings appropriately to enhance privacy protection, limit permissions and reduce connections with other applications. It is also important to switch off individual functions (camera, microphone) when they are not in use.

It is advisable to inform people nearby that you are using smart glasses capable of recording images and sound. If you intend to share photos or recordings made in this way, you must obtain consent from the individuals who appear in them. The Personal Data Protection Office also reminds users that smart glasses should not be used in places requiring a high degree of privacy, such as toilets, medical offices or schools. Before sharing such material, one should carefully consider the consequences, and when recordings are no longer needed, they should be deleted.