Privacy Concerns Rise Over Smart Glasses After Michael Barrymore TikTok Video
A shop worker's experience highlights growing unease about filming without consent using wearable technology.
Concerns have been amplified regarding the use of smart glasses for filming, following an incident where a shop worker unexpectedly appeared in a TikTok video posted by Michael Barrymore. This event has fueled an ongoing debate about privacy and consent when using wearable technology, with millions of pairs of smart glasses manufactured and sold by major tech companies in recent years.
Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, estimated to account for over 80% of the AI or smart glasses market, are currently the most popular. However, their increased adoption has also led to safety and privacy concerns. A retail worker who served Barrymore told the BBC that while he was not personally bothered by being filmed, he acknowledged situations where such actions could be deeply distressing. He cited the example of individuals in abusive relationships who have moved to new areas for safety, only to have their location potentially exposed through social media videos that clearly identify their workplace.
"I can see that there are situations in which you would be very bothered," the worker stated, expressing a preference for being asked for permission before being recorded. He suggested that common courtesy dictates obtaining consent, even if many individuals might not object to appearing in a video.
Experts echo these concerns. Allport, identified as a representative, described such recordings as an "invasion of privacy" that can significantly impact the mental health of individuals, particularly in the retail sector. She highlighted instances where disgruntled customers film and upload interactions to embarrass employees or retailers. "If you can imagine going to work and then being confronted by someone, having a discussion with them that may well get heated, that being filmed and then it goes on to social media, you can just imagine how those shop workers are feeling about it, it can be absolutely devastating," Allport said.
Allport advised individuals intending to film with smart glasses to first inform and seek permission from the staff they wish to record. She believes that many would agree to be filmed if asked politely, emphasizing that asking for permission is a matter of basic courtesy. The proliferation of smart glasses, capable of recording video and audio, raises questions about the ethical use of such technology in public and private spaces, and the potential for misuse.