As the EDPB sets out how the GDPR applies to smart glasses, BEUC has called for urgent action to safeguard citizens’ fundamental rights
Responsibility for data protection depends on how smart glasses are used
On 13 October 2026, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) adopted a statement on smart glasses, which “look like ordinary glasses” but incorporate features such as cameras, speakers, microphones and artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The statement was published alongside a study from the EDPB’s associated Support Pool of Experts (SPE), which focused on expected use cases for smart glasses. The EDPB notes that while smart glasses create new opportunities for communication, assistance and innovation, they also raise significant questions for personal data protection and individuals’ rights. The statement outlines that the way smart glasses are used influences the user’s responsibility for the processing of personal data under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). For example, if sharing a photo or video on a public social media account, the user would be considered a data controller. Whereas, if the user shares a photo or video with family members or friends, the user would fall outside the scope of the GDPR under the “household exemption”.
Manufacturers should build transparency mechanisms into their designs
The EDPB highlights transparency as one of the main data protection challenges posed by smart glasses, due to their discreet appearance and use. Bystanders might be unaware that they are being recorded, by whom or why. Some functions, such as translation services or AI features, can exacerbate this lack of transparency as they may be particularly invisible to bystanders. The EDPB also considers that traditional transparency notices do not seem sufficient or appropriate to inform non-users in the context of smart glasses, as the manufacturer has no relationship with non-users and would be unable to contact them. The EDPB therefore recommends that manufacturers consider introducing a range of transparency mechanisms when designing and developing smart glasses, including prominent LED indicators, audio cues, smartphone proximity alerts and distinctive design of the glasses themselves. In terms of LED indicators, the EDPB suggests that these should be hard or impossible to disable, and should not allow recording when covered. The board also recommends the development of industry-wide standards and awareness-raising campaigns to ensure that individuals can identify smart glasses and understand what type of data processing may occur in different situations.
BEUC has called on the EC and EDPB to assess whether current rules offer sufficient protection for consumers
On 21 October 2026, BEUC – The European Consumer Organisation – published a letter expressing concerns about the privacy risks smart glasses pose and calling for appropriate regulatory intervention. BEUC notes that by allowing wearers to record people hands-free without their knowledge or consent, smart glasses pose a significant threat to consumers’ fundamental privacy rights. This threat is compounded by the addition of AI features, which enable wearers to identify individuals in real time without their consent. BEUC therefore calls on the EC and the EDPB to examine the risks posed by smart glasses as an “immediate priority” and to investigate their compliance with existing EU regulatory frameworks. BEUC also recommends carrying out an assessment as to whether current digital rules in the EU are still fit for purpose to protect consumers from harm. The organisation suggests that this may include introducing stronger rules around manufacturers’ responsibility and considering whether wearables that allow for covert surveillance should be restricted in certain public spaces altogether, noting that the ongoing Digital Omnibus negotiations could provide a timely opportunity to establish rules to address the structural challenges caused by smart glasses and similar connected technologies.
