Authorities in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man have issued warnings over the growing use of smart glasses that can discreetly record audio and video, raising concerns about personal data protection and misuse.
People in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are being warned to think carefully before using smart glasses that can discreetly record audio and video. The islands’ data protection authorities have issued a joint advisory because the devices can capture conversations, faces and other personal information without those nearby necessarily realising it, according to statements published by the regulators and local coverage of the warning.
Officials said the technology is spreading into workplaces and businesses, where its hands-free design may make it especially easy to use without drawing attention. The authorities also said recordings may be stored or processed by manufacturers and cloud services outside the islands, which raises further questions about where data ends up and which rules apply.
Jersey Information Commissioner Paul Vane said the technology may bring benefits, but that these must be weighed against “considerable privacy risks”. He urged users to be “mindful and respectful” and to consider whether filming or recording is appropriate in a given situation. The guidance also reminds people that those who are recorded should be able to exercise their rights under data protection law and challenge anyone who has not been open about using the devices.
Isle of Man Information Commissioner Dr Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya said wearable technology could “open up the world” for people with disabilities, but warned that the same features can be misused. She said women and girls are often the people filmed without consent and noted that a brief glance can be enough to record someone, with footage then shared far beyond the islands. The three authorities said the simple test is to think before sharing and to consider how it would feel if the person in the footage were someone close to you.
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