Austria Plans Parliamentary Probe into Smart Glasses Privacy Risks

(MENAFN) Austria is preparing to examine the use of smart glasses through a parliamentary inquiry as concerns grow over privacy and the potential for people to be recorded without their knowledge.

Secretary of State for Digitalization Alexander Proll has outlined a proposed three-stage regulatory framework for the devices, which can incorporate cameras, microphones and artificial intelligence capabilities, according to reports.

The proposed rules would prohibit recording in locations where privacy is particularly important, including schools, kindergartens, changing rooms, restrooms, courtrooms, prisons, and police and military facilities.

In public areas, any recording would need to be clearly noticeable to people nearby under the suggested framework.

Proll said the planned parliamentary inquiry would bring together specialists in science, technology and data protection, alongside representatives of individuals affected by the use of smart glasses, to examine the issue further.

He rejected the idea of imposing a complete ban, explaining that the government wants to support technological innovation while preventing covert filming and protecting people's privacy.

The secretary of state also called for manufacturers to ensure that recording activity is easily recognizable, potentially through visible indicator lights and audible signals that alert people when devices are capturing footage.

Meanwhile, a petition demanding a ban on smart glasses has collected nearly 25,000 signatures, according to reports.

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