AI Technology Raises Privacy Concerns for Smart Glasses: Will Misuse Hinder Mainstream Adoption?

Secretly Recording Others and Bringing Devices into Exam Halls
Difficult to Detect as They Resemble Regular Glasses
Recording Indicator LEDs Can Be Bypassed

Sales of smart glasses equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) technology are rapidly increasing and are on the verge of becoming mainstream. However, there are ongoing attempts to misuse these devices, prompting calls for urgent measures from regulators and manufacturers to protect personal information and privacy.

AI Glasses. AI-Generated Image

According to the IT industry and police on July 10, the Gangseo Police Station in Seoul is investigating an individual, Mr. A, who secretly filmed women he dated using AI glasses and distributed the footage on social networking services (SNS) without their consent. Mr. A concealed the recording indicator light on the AI glasses, making it impossible for the victims to know they were being recorded. Police are considering the possibility that sensitive parts may have been filmed during the dates and are determining whether to apply charges related to sex crimes.

Attempts to misuse AI glasses have also been reported in examination halls. The Korea TOEIC Committee detected two cases of cheating involving AI glasses during the regular TOEIC exam held in May. Last month, three examinees wearing AI glasses were caught during the industrial engineer computer-based test (CBT) administered by the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, with similar cases reported overseas.

Under the Personal Information Protection Act, taking photos or videos of others without their consent using AI glasses is subject to fines or criminal penalties. If someone takes and distributes photos that can cause sexual humiliation using AI glasses, they may face up to seven years in prison or a fine of up to 50 million won under the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Punishment, etc. of Sexual Crimes. Misuse of AI glasses in examination settings also constitutes the crime of obstruction of business.

AI Misuse Prevention Measures Exist but Many Workarounds

Manufacturers claim to have implemented countermeasures to prevent the misuse of AI glasses. For AI glasses currently available in Korea, such as Ray-Ban and Oakley Meta, a white LED indicator light turns on when the camera is in use. The indicator blinks briefly when taking photos and repeatedly blinks during video recording. In addition, the built-in speaker emits a shutter sound when a photo or video is taken.

Meta explained, "As AI glasses offer more features and become more popular, we are continuously seeking ways to make these devices safer and more reliable." Meta has designed the glasses so that if a black sticker is placed over the recording indicator, the camera cannot be activated. However, if a special indicator light blocking device is purchased from overseas direct purchase platforms and attached, this safeguard can be bypassed.

AI glasses are not noticeably different in appearance from regular glasses or sunglasses. Manufacturers have adopted similar designs in collaboration with eyewear brands, and advancements in technology have made camera lenses smaller and less conspicuous. This structure makes it difficult to detect crimes or cheating involving AI glasses. Moreover, as manufacturers compete to release related products, consumers’ access to AI glasses is increasing.

Samsung Electronics plans to unveil its first AI glasses, tentatively named "Galaxy Glass," at the "Galaxy Unpacked 2026" event in London, UK, on July 22. Meta has also introduced the "Meta Glass," which is more affordable than previous models, and China's Alibaba has launched "Qwen Glass," an AI glasses product priced at around 400,000 won.

There are concerns that if such misuse continues without strengthened legal and institutional controls, it could hinder the mainstream adoption of AI glasses. An industry official stated, "As the AI glasses market opens up, ongoing misuse cases could have a negative impact, so manufacturers need to further enhance features that protect user privacy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.