Feeling uneasy about someone wearing Meta’s smart glasses? You’re not alone. A new app called Nearby Glasses is here to help. Developed by Yves Jeanrenaud, a professor at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences in Germany, this Android app alerts users if smart glasses, like the Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses, are nearby.
Jeanrenaud explains that the app scans Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) data for manufacturer identifiers. “It notifies you when smart glasses are close,” he said. The technology reads small data packets sent out by these glasses, providing users with a heads-up about potential surveillance.
However, the app isn’t foolproof. There can be false alerts from other Bluetooth devices made by the same company, like Meta’s VR headsets. Jeanrenaud reminds users to be cautious and not jump to conclusions about surveillance just because the app signals a warning. “They might just be regular glasses,” he cautioned. The app includes warnings against harassing anyone based on suspicion alone.
There’s a growing public unease about privacy as technology evolves. A recent [survey](https://www.purduegloballawschool.edu/blog/news/smart-glasses-privacy-risks) indicated that nearly 60% of Americans are concerned about being recorded without consent. Instances of altercations over unwelcome recording are also on the rise. In December, a woman famously smashed a TikToker’s Meta glasses on a New York subway, highlighting this discomfort. Social media reactions to such incidents suggest a growing awareness of the issues surrounding non-consensual recording, reminiscent of the controversies that arose with the release of Google Glass a decade ago.
Experts point out that smart glasses can collect biometric data, which raises additional privacy concerns. Purdue Global Law School warns that features like facial recognition can conflict with various privacy laws. Moreover, 11 states require consent from both parties for audio recording, complicating matters further.
Even high-profile users aren’t exempt from scrutiny. Not long ago, a California judge criticized members of Mark Zuckerberg’s team for wearing Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses in court, violating court rules. Critics voice concerns about Meta’s plans to integrate more invasive technologies, like facial recognition, into its glasses, further complicating the privacy landscape.
While the Nearby Glasses app offers a layer of protection, experts agree that it’s just a start. “This is not a perfect solution, but I hope it’s useful for someone,” Jeanrenaud stated. As technology like smart glasses continues to roll out, the need for preparedness and awareness about privacy and consent becomes increasingly vital in our everyday lives.
For additional insights on privacy laws related to smart technology, you can visit Purdue Global Law School’s [report](https://www.purduegloballawschool.edu/blog/news/smart-glasses-privacy-risks).
