Irish and Italian privacy watchdogs sound the alarm on Facebook’s new smart glasses – RT World News



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The Irish data privacy watchdog has expressed concerns over the new smart glasses, produced by Facebook in partnership with Ray-Ban, saying it has asked the tech giant if the device can properly notify consumers. people that they are filmed.

The Irish Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) on Friday expressed concerns about the glasses. The smart glasses, made by Facebook in cooperation with Ray-Ban, were unveiled by the tech giant last week. The device not only attracted the attention of the media, but also the attention of authorities in several countries.

Italian watchdog Garante Privacy has asked the DPC to solicit responses from the tech giant on whether the device actually complies with privacy laws. Ireland’s privacy watchdog is the EU’s main body when it comes to Facebook, as the tech giant’s European operation is headquartered in Dublin.



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“While it is recognized that many devices, including smartphones, can register third parties, it is generally true that the camera or phone is visible as the device through which the recording takes place. , thus warning those captured in the recordings, “ the Irish regulator said in a statement.

Watchdogs now want to know if the device is able to correctly indicate that it is filming the surroundings and inform people around the bearer of the recording in progress. So far, Facebook has not provided conclusive evidence that the glasses are capable of doing this, the DPC noted.

Along with the glasses, there is a very small light that lights up when recording is in progress. It has not been shown to DPC and Garante that full field tests have been carried out by Facebook or Ray-Ban to ensure that the LED light is an effective means of giving notice.

Unlike Google’s ill-fated version of the concept of smart glasses, the Facebook version doesn’t appear to have any distinguishing features, looking pretty much like regular Ray-Bans. The wearable tech, however, comes with two front cameras, two speakers, and three microphones for filming and recording the surroundings, along with around six hours of battery life.

“As a result, the DPC and Garante are now asking Facebook Ireland to confirm and demonstrate that the LED light is effective for its purpose, and to conduct an information campaign to alert the public to how this new consumer product can result in less obvious recording of their images, “ concluded the DPC.



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