France Investigates Smart Glasses in Sexual Harassment Cases

On September 18, 2026, Paris prosecutors launched a criminal probe into suspected sexual harassment incidents linked to smart glasses. Simultaneously, French data protection authorities have reported receiving complaints from businesses concerning these devices, underscoring a growing international challenge regarding their societal impact.

Reuters reports that while multiple smart glass models exist, Meta's collaborative device with EssilorLuxottica leads the global market, commanding an approximate 76% share. These AI-enabled glasses, equipped with discreet cameras, sold 7 million units last year, with Essilor's 2026 sales figures indicating "exponential growth."

This rapid expansion has intensified international scrutiny from legal bodies, regulators, and advocacy groups, focusing on concerns like sexual harassment, corporate misconduct, and unauthorized surveillance. Reuters notes that some UK cinemas have restricted smart glasses due to piracy fears, and a German consumer advocacy group has filed a criminal complaint against Meta and other distributors, citing privacy violations.

The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed to Reuters a recent criminal probe stemmed from sexual harassment complaints. These relate to a social media trend where individuals use smart glasses to non-consensually film women in public and upload the footage online. Prosecutors did not identify the specific smart glass brand involved in these incidents.

Our take: This confirms the escalating privacy challenges inherent to wearable camera technology. As these devices become more discreet and powerful, the onus is on manufacturers to implement robust privacy safeguards. Regulators must establish clear legal frameworks, and public education on ethical use is equally critical.