TikToker Under Police Investigation for Covert Filming with Meta Smart Glasses

On August 3, 2026, police confirmed an investigation into TikToker Scott Margerison, known as E Dobbin, for allegedly using Meta smart glasses to covertly film members of the public. The content creator reportedly uploaded hundreds of these videos to his TikTok account.

PetaPixel reports Margerison's videos include interactions with individuals- shop workers, ferry staff, and young women- who appear unaware they are being recorded. The Independent notes some clips show Margerison commenting on women's appearance and relationship status, and asking about their vaccination status.

In one instance, Margerison allegedly filmed a tour of the CalMac ferry Loch Seaforth's bridge without permission. Following this, CalMac temporarily halted public bridge visits, stating an individual filmed a restricted area without consent, according to PetaPixel.

Police Scotland has confirmed receiving complaints and is reviewing footage to ascertain if criminal offenses occurred, PetaPixel notes. The alleged content includes swearing at strangers, making sexualized comments, and a conversation with a Sikh shopkeeper where Margerison discussed a plan to "breed out the white race," as reported by PetaPixel.

This investigation follows a recent move by Instagram, which announced its ban on "creepy hidden camera videos" filmed with Meta smart glasses that depict harassment of strangers. PetaPixel previously reported Instagram also deactivated several "pickup artist" accounts.

While TikTok states its community guidelines prohibit harassment, The Independent reports many of Margerison's videos targeting women remain active. YouTube also informed The Independent that its policies prohibit harassment, doxxing, unwanted sexualization, and dangerous pranks.

Our take: The ongoing privacy debate surrounding wearable cameras continues to escalate with each new incident. While Meta has implemented visible indicator lights to signal recording, user behavior often sidesteps these safeguards. This case underscores the urgent need for clearer ethical guidelines and more robust platform enforcement to prevent the misuse of smart glasses, ensuring public trust in this evolving technology.