The Age of Invisible Surveillance: Smart Glasses, Privacy and Orwell’s Warning

Smart glasses are rapidly moving from novelty to mainstream technology. Resembling ordinary eyewear but equipped with cameras, microphones, internet connectivity and, increasingly, artificial intelligence capabilities, these devices can offer everything from hands-free communication to real-time translation. As their popularity grows, however, so do concerns about privacy and the collection of personal data.

It is against this backdrop that the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has published a statement highlighting the data protection challenges associated with smart glasses and the risks they pose to individuals’ rights and freedoms.

Are there any concerns with smart glasses?

A key concern is that smart glasses can record images, video and audio in a way that is far less obvious than traditional devices such as smartphones. Because they closely resemble ordinary glasses, people may be recorded without realising it. Whether travelling on public transport, meeting friends in a café or attending a public event, individuals may have little indication that their personal information is being captured.

For the general public, this raises important questions about transparency and control. Privacy is not simply about what information is collected, but also about understanding when that collection is taking place and what happens to the information afterwards. The discreet nature of smart glasses can make it difficult for individuals to know whether they are being recorded, who is processing their data and for what purpose.

George Orwell’s 1984 and the EDPB’s message

Having recently revisited George Orwell’s 1984, it is difficult not to reflect on some of its underlying themes when considering the growing use of technologies such as smart glasses. Orwell’s vision was not merely about overt surveillance, but about a society in which monitoring became so commonplace that people altered their behaviour because they could never be entirely sure when they were being watched. Smart glasses are, of course, a far cry from the dystopian world Orwell imagined. Yet they do raise a modern version of the same question: what happens when recording devices become so unobtrusive that we can no longer easily tell when observation is taking place? The concern is not that “Big Brother” is watching, but that anyone could be. In that sense, the debate is less about the technology itself and more about preserving the reasonable expectation of privacy that most people still take for granted.

The EDPB has also highlighted particular concerns in sensitive environments such as hospitals, schools and workplaces, where recordings may capture confidential, personal or otherwise sensitive information. Children are considered especially vulnerable, both when using smart glasses themselves and when appearing in recordings created by others.

Importantly, the statement emphasises that responsibility does not rest solely with users. Manufacturers and service providers must ensure that privacy considerations are built into the design and operation of their products. Measures such as visible recording indicators or audio alerts could help ensure that those around a smart glasses user are aware when data is being collected.

The EDPB is not calling for restrictions on innovation. Rather, its message is that technological progress must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards. Smart glasses undoubtedly offer exciting possibilities, but their long-term success will depend on public trust. As these devices become more common, businesses, technology providers and consumers alike will need to strike a careful balance between innovation and privacy.

For now, the EDPB’s warning serves as a timely reminder that the future of technology is not only about what devices can do, but also about how comfortably society can live with them. In a world where cameras may soon be hidden in plain sight, protecting privacy could become more important than ever.

To conclude

Privacy is becoming one of the defining legal issues of the digital age. If you have concerns about the misuse of your personal information, have been recorded or monitored without your consent, or are involved in a dispute arising from a breach of privacy, specialist legal advice can help you understand your options and protect your rights. As a solicitor specialising in privacy and data protection law, I advise clients on a wide range of privacy-related disputes. If you would like to discuss your situation in confidence, please do not hesitate to get in touch.