French authorities opened a criminal investigation into alleged sexual harassment involving smart glasses, as the growing popularity of camera-equipped wearable devices raises new questions about privacy and consent.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said that at least one criminal probe was recently launched following complaints linked to a social media trend in which women were allegedly recorded on the street without their knowledge and the footage later posted online. Authorities did not identify the brand of glasses involved.
The investigation came as regulators and companies in several countries examine how smart glasses could be misused for covert recording, surveillance and other privacy-related offences.
French prosecutors said their cybercrime unit tested smart glasses about two weeks ago to better understand the ways the technology could potentially be used in criminal activity. The move reflects concerns surrounding devices that can capture images or video through small cameras built into the frames. Unlike conventional smartphones, smart glasses can allow recording while appearing similar to ordinary eyewear, making it more difficult for people nearby to know when they are being filmed.
Meta’s smart glasses, developed with EssilorLuxottica, are the leading product in the market, accounting for about 76% of global market share, according to Reuters. Meta’s AI-enabled glasses sold around seven million units last year, while EssilorLuxottica has reported strong growth in 2026.
France’s data protection authority, CNIL, said it has received fewer than 10 complaints concerning the use of smart glasses in workplaces. The regulator did not specify which brands were involved.
CNIL also said businesses are increasingly seeking guidance on whether they can prohibit employees from using smart glasses at work. Nacera Bekhat, the agency’s head of economic affairs, said the devices create challenges around informing people that they are being recorded and obtaining consent where required.
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France is not alone in examining the risks. A German consumer advocacy group has filed a criminal complaint against Meta and other companies involved in selling smart glasses, citing privacy concerns. Some cinemas in the UK have also prohibited their use.
Australia is considering restricting camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces over privacy and security concerns. Meta said it had incorporated privacy measures into its AI glasses and would continue strengthening protections as the technology develops.