Europe weighs crackdown on smart glasses after privacy backlash

European pressure is building against smart glasses after secretly filmed footage of women and girls appeared online, prompting campaigners in Britain to seek a ban on sales. The devices can take photos, record video, make calls, translate text, play music and connect users with an AI assistant, raising concerns that public spaces could become harder to navigate without unwanted recording.

Meta’s Ray-Ban partnership with EssilorLuxottica has become the focus of much of the debate. Meta sold some seven million pairs in 2025, up from a total of two million in 2023 and 2024, while Google and Snap are preparing their own AI-powered glasses. British concern escalated after a 17-year-old girl told Channel 4 News that a man covertly recorded her during an interaction. Meta said it has taken steps to prevent tampering with the blinking LED light meant to signal recording.

Oslo banned the glasses in schools while Norway considers wider rules, including possible restrictions on facial recognition in public. France’s CNIL urged vigilance, EU lawmakers are seeking clarity on compliance with privacy and AI rules, and the European Data Protection Board is preparing a report on social acceptability. A British and Irish petition has more than 9,100 signatures so far, with a government response required if it reaches 10,000.