ACROSS IRELAND AND most recently in Cork, concerns have been raised about people being filmed using AI-powered smart glasses without their consent. While wearable technology is developing rapidly and offers exciting possibilities, these incidents highlight why Ireland needs a more serious conversation about privacy, consent and regulation before this technology becomes more widespread.

Meta’s smart glasses, developed in partnership with Ray Ban, are designed to look almost identical to ordinary glasses. That is part of their appeal. But it also creates challenges when it comes to informing people that a recording may be taking place. Unlike holding up a phone camera, wearable devices can record discreetly and hands-free, making it far more difficult for people to know when they are being filmed.

The only built-in signal currently intended to alert people to recording is a small LED light. However, concerns have already been raised about whether this is enough. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission previously questioned whether proper field-testing was carried out to establish if the indicator works effectively in real-life situations. Reports from Cork have also suggested that, in some cases, the light may have been covered or disabled.

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That creates understandable worry, particularly for women........

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