Arabic version: العثور على لقطات من مصنع في نظارات مزودة بكاميرا

According to ABC News, a pair of budget camera glasses made by Shenzhen-based Oho Sunshine contained videos that appear to have been accidentally recorded inside a Chinese factory. ABC program 7.30 bought the glasses online and found four short videos dated last year showing workers at desks inspecting the devices while electronic music played.

One video showed a worker lifting a pair of glasses and shaking them vigorously. Three further videos, dated this year and lasting up to 10 minutes, showed black images with atmospheric audio, suggesting the device may have been activated while inside a case or box. The button on the side of the frames was described as sensitive and easy to switch on. Oho Sunshine did not respond to 7.30’s questions about the apparent privacy breach.

Camera glasses are becoming more common as low-cost brands enter the market. The devices can record video and audio while resembling ordinary glasses, and some models have lights intended to indicate recording. More advanced versions can play music, make calls, live-stream or display messages. Basic models can be bought online for as little as $40, while Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses can cost up to $700 a pair.

The technology has also raised privacy concerns. Australia’s Privacy Commissioner, Carly Kind, said recording images in public is generally not illegal under Australian law, although rules differ between states. She said filming in private premises, including homes, vehicles, workplaces and potentially semi-private spaces such as gyms, could breach surveillance-device laws. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has asked the commissioner to make recommendations about camera glasses in Australia.

Kind warned of potential workplace espionage, theft of personal information and risks to vulnerable groups, women and children. Digital extremism researcher Milica Stilinovic said she wants the rollout of smart glasses paused until regulation and policymakers have caught up.