Technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, and while we love having everything connected, gadgets have also emerged that compromise our privacy. Smart glasses are the perfect example: they look like normal glasses, but they conceal cameras and microphones capable of recording audio and video without our knowledge, posing a challenge to our daily privacy.
Unlike a smartphone, which obviously has a camera, these devices go unnoticed at first glance. That's why it's crucial to know what clues to look for and what tools are available to avoid becoming the target of unwanted recordings, whether at work, university, or simply walking down the street.
Physical signals and hardware to identify the device
If you suspect someone is wearing a device like this, the first thing to do is take a look at the frame. Although the designs are becoming increasingly sleek, most require space for the battery and internal memory, so it's common for the temples to be thicker than usual, similar to what happens with some Xiaomi smart glasses , or for the lenses to have a slightly different appearance if they incorporate screens.
A key feature is the indicator lights. For example, the Ray-Ban Meta sunglasses have a recording LED that illuminates when the user starts recording. However, caution is advised because, in brightly lit environments, this light can easily go unnoticed, or, in the worst-case scenario, the user might try to cover it with their finger to avoid detection.
In addition to the visual aspect, some models emit an audible alert when recording starts or stops. Although this system is designed to provide transparency, in noisy environments like nightclubs or concerts, the sound is likely to be masked by the ambient noise and be of little use.
User behavior as the definitive clue
Sometimes, the best way to catch someone recording isn't by looking at the glasses, but by analyzing their movements. A person using these glasses often makes unnatural head movements , tilting or pointing at specific points to frame the shot, which doesn't fit with a fluid conversation.
It's also common to notice the user making physical gestures or tapping the frame to activate functions or start recording. If you see someone constantly touching the temple of their glasses while looking directly at you, there's a good chance they're using a smart device.
Technological tools and wireless detection
From a technical standpoint, most of these wearables communicate with the mobile phone using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals . This opens the door to using scanners for nearby devices. More advanced tools, such as the Flipper Zero, can detect these signals and even attempt to saturate them, although the latter depends on the device's software.
For the average user, an app called Nearby Glasses has emerged , available for Android. This app scans for Bluetooth identifiers from manufacturers like Meta or Snap Inc. and sends an alert if it detects compatible glasses nearby. However, the results should be taken with a grain of salt, as it can produce false positives by confusing them with JBL headsets or other accessories from the same manufacturer.
What does the law in Spain say about these recordings?
It's important to distinguish between what's annoying and what's illegal. In Spain, recording video in public is legal as long as the content is for strictly personal and domestic use . This is because, according to the GDPR and the Spanish Organic Law on Data Protection, there is no expectation of complete privacy in public spaces.
The problem arises when these images are shared. Uploading a video to TikTok or Instagram where someone appears identifiable without their permission can constitute a violation of their right to privacy , which could lead to legal penalties. If the material is used for commercial purposes, the law is even stricter.
As for sound, the situation changes. Recording other people's conversations in which you are not participating is a crime against privacy , regardless of whether it occurs in a public or private place. Therefore, the illegal use of these glasses is already beginning to result in the first court convictions.
Social risks and ethical dilemmas
Unfortunately, not everyone uses this technology for vlogging. There have been reports of these glasses being used for stalking and harassment , especially targeting women and marginalized communities, making them a dangerous tool in the wrong hands. Furthermore, there are concerns that they could be integrated with facial recognition systems to identify strangers in real time.
Another critical point is data management. There has been debate about whether the recorded videos are used to train artificial intelligence and whether they are reviewed by external workers , which adds another layer of concern about where our images end up.
To keep our privacy safe, the ideal approach is to combine observing the hardware and the other person's behavior with using detection apps, always bearing in mind that the ultimate responsibility lies with the user, not the device. Paying attention to details and knowing our legal rights is the best defense against the proliferation of these invisible gadgets.
