Smart Glasses May Be Mandated to Feature Visible Recording Lights

As the smart glasses industry evolves, it is catching the attention of lawmakers. Recently, a bill has been proposed that would require wearables to feature visible recording lights. It appears to aim to handle privacy concerns about hidden or unnoticed recordings, mainly in public places.

Pennsylvania bill wants OEMs to show the recording indicator on smart glasses

Introduced by Pennsylvania Rep. Joe Ciresi, the bill would require smart glasses sold and used in the state to feature a visible recording indicator. This means a light or signal should indicate that the device is taking video or audio. While most smart glasses already show an indicator, there is currently no law requiring OEMs to do so.

“An individual shall not operate a wearable recording device to capture sound or video of any other individual in any place without the other individual’s actual knowledge if: (1) the wearable recording device does not have a visual indicator; or (2) the visual indicator of the recording device has been permanently or temporarily disabled,” a passage from the bill reads.

Since smart glasses can capture video and audio, they increase privacy concerns. Some people may worry that they won’t know when they are being recorded. The reason is that the devices adopt a similar design language to normal glasses.

The proposed bill aims to diminish this risk by mandating that OEMs include a visual indicator on smart glasses. As a result, people nearby will be aware if the wearer is recording them, helping to prevent misuse of wearable technology.

Samsung and Google recently jointly announced their first pair of smart glasses. The intelligent eyewear comes in two premium styles, created in collaboration with Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. They feature a built-in camera, letting you capture photos and videos. There appears to be a visual indicator, which would ensure compliance if the proposed bill becomes law. The smart glasses will launch this fall in select markets.