A hobbyist developer has created a smartphone application designed to alert users when smart glasses are nearby, following mounting concerns over covert filming and personal privacy. Yves Jeanrenaud, a researcher based in Germany, developed the app after reports emerged of individuals using Meta’s smart glasses to record women and girls without their consent. The app, called Nearby Glasses, scans for Bluetooth signals emitted by the devices and sends a notification when one is detected in close proximity. Since its release three weeks ago, it has been downloaded around 78,000 times.
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The technology has attracted criticism in recent months, particularly from women’s groups and domestic abuse charities, who warn that such devices could be exploited for harassment or stalking. Concerns intensified after discussions around adding facial recognition capabilities to the eyewear.
Jeanrenaud said his motivation stemmed from frustration after reading reports of vulnerable individuals being secretly filmed and mocked online. While he is not a full-time developer, he drew on coding skills learned in his youth to produce the app in his spare time.
He pointed to the discreet design of the glasses as a key issue, noting that they are often indistinguishable from standard eyewear. Unlike smartphones, which typically require visible positioning to record, the glasses can capture footage with little outward indication. Although the app can detect the presence of the devices, it cannot determine whether recording is actually taking place. This limitation may lead to false alarms, particularly as some users wear the glasses for everyday purposes, including prescription use.
Jeanrenaud nevertheless believes the responsibility lies with manufacturers for designing technology that can be used covertly. While Meta has included a small LED light to indicate recording, tutorials circulating online claim to show how this feature can be disabled, though the company disputes their effectiveness. The issue has also drawn the attention of regulators, with the UK’s data watchdog seeking clarification from Meta on how it complies with data protection laws following reports that sensitive footage may have been reviewed by third-party contractors.
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Responding to the concerns, Meta said misuse of its products is limited to a small number of users and emphasised that safeguards are in place, including visible recording indicators and tamper-detection systems. The company added that users are expected to comply with laws and respect others’ privacy when using such devices.
Jeanrenaud, however, argues that greater awareness is needed. While he does not see himself as an activist, he hopes the app will offer a practical way for people to be more informed about the presence of potentially intrusive technology nearby.
