Researchers from the University of Sydney have raised concerns that smart glasses like Meta Ray-Bans are being misused to film women without consent in private spaces, with footage subsequently shared online for harassment.
A new study from the University of Sydney has identified growing privacy threats posed by smart glasses, particularly when used by content creators targeting women in ostensibly private settings. Researchers analyzed hundreds of videos posted on Instagram between 2023 and 2026 where men wearing smart glasses approached women to obtain contact information or social media handles, subsequently uploading the footage online. The study found that approximately 60 percent of the covert point-of-view videos analyzed displayed behavior classified as potential harassment, with 43 percent containing derogatory commentary about the women filmed.
Researchers documented instances of women being filmed in workplaces, gyms, and beaches without their knowledge or consent. Dr. Milica Stilinovic, a postdoctoral research associate at the university, described the practice as "ambient capture," emphasizing that victims are often unaware they are being recorded in spaces where they reasonably expect privacy. The study noted that many women displayed visible discomfort or explicitly refused to be filmed, yet interaction and recording frequently continued regardless.
In response to these concerns, researchers have called on technology companies and governments to implement stronger regulations before releasing additional smart glasses models. Meta stated that its glasses feature a built-in LED light that activates during filming and include tamper detection technology to prevent users from disabling the indicator. The company announced it has cracked down on pick-up style content following statements from Instagram leadership about combating such videos.
The controversy has prompted several organizations to restrict the glasses' use. Wetherspoon pubs banned them from venues, while Comic-Con organizers prohibited them at events to prevent secret filming. Domestic abuse charity Refuge has warned that the glasses "threaten the safety of all women and girls," while UK government officials noted that recording someone to cause alarm or distress may constitute harassment or stalking offenses.
