Smart glasses app investigated in Australia over privacy

Australia's privacy watchdog is investigating how and where the HeyCyan app used with low-cost smart glasses collects and stores Australians' personal data.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner said it sent preliminary inquiries last month to companies involved in making the glasses, including Shenzhen Qingcheng, Meta, Kmart and Google.

China-based Shenzhen Qingcheng makes the HeyCyan application, which is used in Anko smart glasses sold in Australia by retailers including Kmart for as little as AU$89.

Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said Shenzhen Qingcheng had not responded to the inquiries, leaving her with “no assurance” that it was protecting Australians' personal data as required by the Privacy Act. She urged retailers to consider whether it was appropriate to keep making the devices available.

Smart glasses can take photos and video, make calls, play music, translate text and interact with an AI assistant. Privacy concerns have grown after reports of women and girls being filmed without consent in some countries.