French Authorities Probe Smart Glasses Over Harassment and Privacy Concerns

French authorities are intensifying their scrutiny of smart glasses, with Paris prosecutors launching a criminal probe into sexual harassment linked to the devices and the nation's data protection agency fielding complaints about their use in the workplace. The actions reflect a growing international backlash against the technology over privacy, surveillance, and safety.

Official Investigations Underway

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed to Reuters it has opened at least one criminal investigation following complaints related to a social media trend where smart glasses were used to film women on the street without their consent. While the specific brand of glasses was not named, prosecutors said their cybercrime unit recently tested the devices to better understand their potential for misuse.

Separately, France’s data protection authority, CNIL, stated it has received under 10 complaints regarding smart glasses in professional settings. The agency also noted an increase in inquiries from businesses asking about their right to ban the devices at work. Under French law, recording a person in a private place without consent can lead to penalties of up to a year in prison or a €45,000 fine, though enforcement remains a challenge.

Market Context and Global Scrutiny

The investigations place a spotlight on the market's dominant players, Meta and its partner EssilorLuxottica. Their AI-enabled glasses hold a commanding 76% of the global market, having sold 7 million units last year, with EssilorLuxottica reporting "exponential growth" in 2026.

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The concerns are not limited to France. The regulatory and social pushback is part of a global trend:

• Some UK cinemas have banned the devices.
• A German consumer group filed a criminal complaint against Meta over privacy laws.
• Australia is considering a ban on camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces.

The Debate Over Consent and Safety

Critics argue that the technology's design, which allows for discreet recording, poses significant risks. A small indicator light on the frame is meant to show when the camera is active, but rights groups say this is insufficient.

A Meta spokesperson said the company had "built privacy into our AI glasses from the ground up" and would continue to strengthen protections. However, privacy advocates contend the feature shifts the burden of vigilance onto the public. Ines Girard of the feminist organization Hubertine Auclert stated, "We can’t respond to a surveillance technology by telling the people being surveilled that they should be more vigilant."