EDPB publishes statement on the data protection challenges of smart glasses

As smart glasses become widely available and more frequently used, they raise significant questions for the protection of individuals’ personal data and rights and freedoms even if they create new opportunities for communication, assistance, and innovation. And of course, children are especially at risk when using these glasses or when they are filmed.“ The EDPB’s text is an initial statement which provides preliminary guidance to users, manufacturers and service providers while increasing awareness about the risks these devices pose. For example, if this involves sharing a photo or video on a public social media account, or if smart glasses are used as part of official, professional, or political activities, the user would be considered a data controller. Because when it comes to privacy, individuals deserve clear warnings, not hidden surprises.” Lastly, the statement encourages industry standards and awareness-raising measures to help individuals understand when smart glasses are being used and how their personal data is used. Video recording, surveillance and administering evidence in the age of smart glasses” was commissioned by the Board, through its SPE programme and following a proposal from the French DPA, to better understand smart glasses usage, their privacy implications, and assess their societal acceptability. The main objective of this programme is to help European Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) increase their capacity to supervise and enforce data protection rules by developing common tools and giving them access to a wide pool of experts.