Covert surveillance through “smart” glasses must not become the norm in Europe

As smart glasses become increasingly available to consumers across Europe, concerns are growing about their impact on privacy, surveillance and fundamental rights. In a letter to Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, Commissioner McGrath and the European Data Protection Board Chair Anu Talus, BEUC warns that wearable devices equipped with hidden cameras and AI-powered features could normalise covert surveillance in everyday life. Consumer organisations are calling on the EU to assess the risks, strengthen safeguards, and ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of people's privacy, safety and control over their personal data.