A new form of violation of privacy and digital harassment brings to light research by the University of Sydney, highlighting the dangers posed by increasing use of «Smart glasses» (smart glasses).
According to researchers, this particular device wear technology is used by men who secretly record women in unsuspecting time and in everyday spaces, then moving the material online.
The research team analysed hundreds of videos posted on Instagram in 2023-2026 and which are associated with communities of men practicing approach techniques (pick-up artists).
As the study shows, users of smart glasses approach women in order to extract their phone number or username on Instagram.
The videos are then posted on the internet for entertainment, attracting public and social confirmation. Many of the women were filmed unaware of their workplace, gym, or even the beach.
The phenomenon, which researchers call «environmental recording», is based on the fact that smart glasses do not differ visually from ordinary vision or sunglasses.
However, they have the ability to record video, sound and real-time location data, with only a discreet light indication that can easily be hidden.
Dr. Milica Stylinovic, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Sydney, points out that technology is developing at a dizzying rate, leaving regulatory authorities behind. As he points out, technological giants must slow the circulation of such devices in order to give time to the legal framework to adapt.
Explaining the method of the perpetrators, the researcher says they often follow Andrew Tate's tactics, asking for social network accounts instead of phone numbers.
However, unlike a number that can be blocked, disclosure of the user name can lead to the identification of the victim's location and personal details by video viewers.
The findings of the investigation, based on 350 publicly available videos from around the world, show a clear turn towards discreet recording, which is extremely difficult to perceive. Dr. Joan Grey, head of the investigation, notes that the adoption of smart glasses has been spectacularly accelerated over the last two years.
In about 60% of the videos analysed, interactions were described as possible harassment, with women showing apparent discomfort or trying to get away.
In addition, the direct interface of glasses with social networking platforms allows uploading or live transmission of the material directly, creating a second level of abuse. In 43% of cases, women received abusive comments online, while in some cases their personal data were also revealed.
For its part, Chanel Kondos, CEO and founder of Teach Us Consent, highlights the urgent need to protect privacy in public spaces.
It stresses that Australian legislation must regulate the use of digital devices, which are now sold in the country for amounts less than $100.
According to her, the lack of a legal framework allows companies to profit from technologies that normalize video surveillance without consent and risk being used as tools for the sexual exploitation of women and children.
Researchers conclude that existing laws and platforms control systems are not sufficient to deal with these disguised forms of harassment. As material is often surfaced as a simple social interaction, it avoids filters that detect explicit abuse or nudity.
For this reason, the research group is calling for clearer rules on consent, stricter accountability of digital platforms and new design specifications for wearable devices to make it absolutely clear when recording is carried out.
