Government steps in over privacy concerns as Kmart sells out of budget camera glasses

Fresh privacy concerns have been raised over wearable camera technology after Kmart released an $89 pair of Anko smart glasses capable of recording people without their knowledge or consent.

The budget device has prompted the federal government to urgently seek advice on the rapidly growing technology, amid questions over whether Australia’s existing privacy laws provide enough protection.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Kmart’s budget camera glasses spark privacy review

Like Meta’s smart glasses, Kmart’s budget model allows wearers to capture footage, but at a fraction of the price, costing just $89 compared with Meta models retailing for between $400 and $800.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has asked Australia’s Privacy Commissioner to prioritise a review of wearable camera glasses and determine whether stronger safeguards are needed.

Rowland said the affordability of the glasses raises serious concerns, particularly for women and children.

“The increasing availability of these devices could have significant implications, particularly for women and children who could be disproportionately affected by inappropriate recording, harassment, surveillance, or other harmful conduct enabled by this technology,” she wrote to the commissioner.

Cyber security and privacy expert River Nygryn said the arrival of cheaper camera glasses is particularly concerning because the technology is now becoming accessible to far more Australians.

“Previously, the Meta glasses were quite expensive, and it ruled out a large part of consumers. Now, with the affordable versions, they’re more accessible,” Nygryn said.

The budget glasses have already sold out across Kmart stores and online.

Serious privacy concerns

While smart glasses can have valuable applications, including in construction and assisting people with disabilities, Nygryn warned their growing availability also came with serious privacy implications.

The technology could potentially be used to secretly record conversations in private settings, creating difficult questions around privacy and consent.

“Tech like this was usually limited to just military operations, or research or gaming avenues, but they’re going down that consumer route, which is a bit concerning,” she said.

Third-party data processing companies could potentially access sensitive recordings, and Nygryn warned the proliferation of cheaper devices could make the issue increasingly difficult to oversee.

Nygryn said with the cheaper options it is “a lot harder” to monitor where the footage could end up.

She pointed to reports involving a Kenyan data processing company and footage captured through Meta glasses, which was reportedly used to help train Meta’s artificial intelligence.

Whistleblowers have spoken out about concerning images and videos they allegedly encountered while reviewing the material.

Anti-surveillance technology

The concerns are already driving the development of a new wave of anti-surveillance technology designed to alert people when smart glasses may be nearby.

Android’s free Nearby Glasses app can detect whether camera glasses are nearby and recording, while a similar app called Anti-Zuck was released on Apple’s App Store last month.

The apps use Bluetooth to detect recording devices in the vicinity, giving users another potential way to identify the increasingly discreet technology.