I spy with my smart glassesMohua DasTNN Aug 08, 2026, 19:27 IST ISTThe internet already has a nickname for them: ‘pervert glasses’.
Last week, Instagram said it would start removing videos filmed on Meta’s smart glasses when they are used to harass strangers, after pickup artists and prank accounts began secretly recording unsuspecting people.
Women in the UK and the US have reported being filmed without consent on streets, in shops and gyms, with the videos later appearing online.
In India too, smart glasses are raising questions about non-consensual filming and privacy.
In March, they were used to secretly film attendees at a trans rights protest in Delhi.
I spy with my smart glasses
Mohua Das
TNN Aug 08, 2026, 19:27 IST IST
The internet already has a nickname for them: ‘pervert glasses’. Last week, Instagram said it would start removing videos filmed on Meta’s smart glasses when they are used to harass strangers, after pickup artists and prank accounts began secretly recording unsuspecting people. Women in the UK and the US have reported being filmed without consent on streets, in shops and gyms, with the videos later appearing online. Countries such as Germany are considering a ban on them.
In India too, smart glasses are raising questions about non-consensual filming and privacy. In March, they were used to secretly film attendees at a trans rights protest in Delhi. The footage clocked millions of views and exposed participants to online mockery. At last month’s student protests at Jantar Mantar, a senior police officer was reportedly seen wearing them. People have also been caught wearing them inside temples where photography is prohibited.
