Paris prosecutors launched a criminal investigation on September 18, 2026, regarding sexual harassment linked to the use of smart glasses. The inquiry follows reports of a social media trend where individuals record people in public without consent and share the footage online.
The investigation focuses on the misuse of Ray-Ban smart glasses, developed by Meta and EssilorLuxottica. Regulators noted that users are intentionally obstructing the built-in LED indicators that signal when the device is recording to avoid detection.
The French data protection authority, CNIL, has received fewer than ten complaints related to workplace use of the devices. Additionally, an increasing number of businesses are seeking guidance from the agency on the possibility of banning these wearables on their premises.
In 2025, approximately seven million units of the glasses were sold, and the product currently accounts for about 76% of the global smart glasses market. Sales growth continued to accelerate throughout 2026.
Under French law, non-consensual recording in private settings can lead to a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine of €45,000. Furthermore, the devices are subject to the EU AI Act and GDPR, which mandate consent for AI-enabled recording tools.
