Europe Debates Ban on 'Pervert Glasses' Amidst Privacy Crisis

Europe is experiencing a surge in calls for action against smart glasses, fueled by secretly filmed footage of women appearing online. The devices, capable of photo and video recording, are experiencing exponential sales growth, with Meta alone selling seven million pairs in 2025. This proliferation has triggered a backlash, particularly in Britain, where media coverage has intensified. Norway's capital, Oslo, has already banned the glasses in schools as the government considers regulations, including potential bans on facial recognition features.

Similar demands for intervention are being made at the European Union level, with data protection watchdogs urging vigilance. An EU lawmaker has queried compliance with data protection and AI rules, emphasizing the need for clear regulations to safeguard fundamental rights. While national authorities are responsible for enforcement, the European Data Protection Board is commissioning a report on the social acceptability of these devices. Campaigns are actively promoting petitions and urging stores to halt sales, highlighting concerns about privacy and the potential for widespread surveillance.