Paris opens criminal investigation into sexual harassment via smart glasses

French authorities have launched their first criminal investigation into the use of smart glasses for sexual harassment. This action follows growing international concern over devices that enable users to film others discreetly using integrated cameras and AI technology. The rapid rise of smart glasses has prompted global scrutiny from prosecutors and privacy advocates, as the technology remains difficult to regulate under existing frameworks.

Meta currently dominates the market with its products, which saw seven million units sold last year. While some venues like cinemas have already implemented individual bans, nations such as Australia are now considering state-level restrictions on camera glasses in public workspaces. Currently, there is no specific European legislation addressing these devices, forcing authorities to rely on general data protection and AI regulations. These laws are often insufficient to combat the issue of unconsented street recording and the swift dissemination of such footage online.