New App Alerts Users to Nearby Smart Glasses

A new Android app, Nearby Glasses, is designed to detect and alert users when smart glasses, such as Meta’s Ray-Ban models, are in their vicinity. The app addresses growing privacy concerns surrounding discreet recording through wearable technology.

The Rise of “Luxury Surveillance” and Privacy Concerns

Smart glasses with built-in cameras raise concerns because they can be indistinguishable from regular eyewear, potentially allowing for surreptitious recording. Critics argue that these devices facilitate the collection of information about individuals without their consent. Yves Jeanrenaud, the developer of Nearby Glasses, has described smart glasses as an “intolerable intrusion” and a “consent neglecting, horrible piece of tech.”

How Nearby Glasses Works

Nearby Glasses functions by scanning for Bluetooth signals emitted by smart glasses and other wearable devices manufactured by companies like Meta and Snap. When a signal from a recognized device is detected, the app sends an alert to the user. The app identifies devices by referencing publicly assigned identifiers unique to each manufacturer [TechCrunch]. Users can also manually add Bluetooth identifiers to detect a wider range of devices.

Inspiration and Motivation Behind the App

Jeanrenaud was motivated to create Nearby Glasses after reading reports about the misuse of smart glasses, including instances of their use in immigration raids and to film and harass individuals [TechCrunch]. He also cited Meta’s implementation of facial recognition as a default feature as a key concern, viewing it as an expansion of privacy-invasive behavior.

Limitations and Future Development

The developer acknowledges the possibility of false positives, such as the app mistakenly identifying a virtual reality headset as smart glasses [PCMag]. However, VR headsets are typically more noticeable than smart glasses. Currently, Nearby Glasses is available for Android devices, with an iOS version under consideration [Engadget].

A “Tiny Part of Resistance”

Jeanrenaud views Nearby Glasses as a small step in resisting surveillance technology, recognizing that it addresses a social problem amplified by technology. He emphasizes that the app is a “desperate act of resistance, hoping it would help at least someone” [TechCrunch].

Availability

The Nearby Glasses app is available for download on the Google Play Store and GitHub.