Kmart Pulls Smart Glasses After Privacy Concerns, Investigation

Kmart has removed its $89 camera-equipped smart glasses from its website following significant public backlash and an investigation into the device's privacy implications. The Anko smart glasses, which could capture photos and record video, are no longer listed as available for purchase.

The product, launched on July 28, sold out within a week and was marketed as a more affordable alternative to Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which retail for significantly more.

The Australian Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind, has initiated an investigation into the technology due to concerns that hackers could access servers storing user data. The glasses utilize the Chinese-owned HeyCyan app for connectivity via Bluetooth, enabling functions such as recording, music playback, and phone calls.

Kind expressed concerns regarding the app developer's lack of response to questions about data storage and protection, stating, "I have no assurance that it is protecting personal data of Australians as required by the Privacy Act." She further noted the broader community's apprehension about the proliferation of smart glasses and other surveillance wearables. "Given the particular risks the OAIC has identified with the HeyCyan app, I would urge responsible retailers to consider whether it is appropriate to continue making these devices available," Kind advised.

The disappearance of the camera-equipped glasses from Kmart's site follows strong criticism from various groups. The Greens referred to the technology as 'pervert glasses' and advocated for a 12-month import ban while privacy laws are updated. They argued the eyewear could be used for covert filming without consent, particularly impacting women and children. A petition by activist Gina Martin and the advocacy group GetUp, which garnered over 57,000 signatures, also called for the devices to be removed from sale.

Milica Stilinovic, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney's Governing Immersive Tech project, echoed these concerns, highlighting that cheaper smart glasses often feature questionable data-retention practices and may have inconspicuous or absent recording indicators. She urged government action to protect citizens from non-consensual recording and data breaches.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland acknowledged the serious concerns surrounding these devices, noting that research indicates a significant percentage of uploaded footage from similar devices constitutes harassment. She emphasized the heightened risks for vulnerable groups, including children and victims of violence, but indicated that an import ban was not currently under consideration as part of the government's privacy law review due to broader implications for trade and foreign affairs.

Kmart's $39 Speaker Glasses, designed for listening to music or making hands-free calls, remain available on the retailer's website.