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What in the World

What in the World

Why are smart glasses so controversial?

19 June 2026

Available for over a year

Smart glasses are big business, Meta, one of the leading manufacturers of the glasses say that last year they sold seven million pairs globally. But new designs that resemble regular sunglasses or reading frames mean they can be difficult to spot. Users can make phone calls, follow maps, and use AI assistants completely hands free. They can also use the built in camera to take photos and record videos subtly - this is part of the controversy. There have been cases of people being filmed secretly and posted online without their consent.

So how many people are buying smart glasses and how significant is the risk to privacy? BBC technology reporter Laura Cress tells us about the tech that goes into smart glasses and investigative reporter Georgia Poncia talks us through the concerns.

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Presenter: Iqra Farooq

Producer: Benita Barden and Emma-Louise Amanshia

Editor: Verity Wilde