Italian data authority asks Facebook for clarification on smart glasses

MILAN, Sept. 10 (Reuters) – The Italian data protection authority said on Friday it had asked Facebook (FB.O) to provide clarification on the smart glasses recently launched by the social media giant in order to assess whether the product complies with privacy laws.

Facebook connected glasses, created in partnership with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica (ESLX.PA), allow users to listen to music, take calls or capture photos and short videos and share them on Facebook services using a companion app. Read more

Italian watchdog, Garante, said he called on the Irish Data Protection Commissioner, who heads oversight of Facebook as the social media company’s European headquarters are based in Ireland, to ask Facebook for clarification.

The Italian authority said it wanted to be informed of the measures implemented by Facebook to protect people filmed occasionally, in particular children, as well as the systems adopted to anonymize the data collected and the functions of the voice assistant connected to the glasses.

“We know people have questions about new technology, so prior to the launch of Ray-Ban Stories, we engaged with the Irish DPC to share how we have incorporated privacy into product design and eyewear functionality. to give device owners and those around them peace of mind, ”a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement.

“We will respond to Garante’s questions via the Irish DPC and look forward to continuing our collaboration with regulators in Europe,” the spokesperson added.

Reporting by Elvira Pollina; additional reporting by Sabahatjahan Contractor in Bengaluru Editing by Mark Porter and Matthew Lewis

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