Will I have to scrutinize faces to know if people are recording me? The danger of connected glasses

Connected glasses integrating cameras and microphones into ordinary frames, capable of facial recognition, urgently raise questions about anonymity and the security of our biometric data in public spaces. These "smart glasses," boosted by AI, offer a seemingly convenient way to understand the world but also enable unauthorized filming, even in private settings like swimming pools.

Companies such as Meta, Google, and soon Apple are developing these devices, with some already available in Swiss and European markets. Their arrival has sparked concerns, highlighted by a watson.ch report and a parliamentary inquiry in June. The technology is particularly suited for discreet observation, raising the specter of being filmed without consent.

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Will I have to scrutinize the faces of people I meet to know if they are recording me?

The core issue revolves around the erosion of anonymity and the potential misuse of sensitive biometric data. As these devices become more prevalent, the ability to move through public spaces without being recorded or identified diminishes, creating a chilling effect on personal freedom and privacy. The question remains: will we need to scrutinize everyone's faces to know if they are recording us?

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Better understand the world around us with AI-boosted 'smart glasses'? Rather nice. But being filmed without our knowledge in a swimsuit at the pool? That's also possible with these connected glasses, with integrated cameras and microphones, which allow for real-time data processing.