Smart glasses have been available to buy since 2013, when Google launched a product called Google Glass. At the time, there were complaints about the design and the high price, and few people wore them. Since then, smart glasses have become more stylish and less expensive. In 2025, Meta sold more than seven million pairs of their smart glasses. Fans of the technology say it’s a convenient way to do lots of the things people do with smartphones without having to use their hands – like checking messages or taking photos. However, critics warn that because smart glasses look like normal glasses, they allow wearers to record people without their knowledge or permission, which is wrong. What do you think, is it ok to wear smart glasses?
Yes – They are an amazing, useful invention
Smart glasses let people read messages and make calls without holding a phone. This is useful when they are doing things like cycling or working. They can also photograph special moments, like a concert or party, without having to interrupt the experience. What’s more, smart glasses help people with sight loss by reading text and describing objects through built-in speakers. Researchers say this function could also help people with dyslexia, a learning difficulty that mainly affects reading and writing. Besides, when smart glasses are recording, a flashing light on the front lets people nearby know that they might be filmed. It gives them a chance to move or ask the wearer not to film them.
No – They invade people's privacy
Unlike phones, which are clearly held up to film, smart glasses do it with a hidden camera. There is a light to alert people, but lots of people say it’s easy to miss and they have been filmed without permission. Also, many smart glasses are connected to the internet. That means videos and images of people could be shared online, or stored, before they give permission. People who wear smart glasses also risk their own privacy. Experts say technology companies collect data from smart glasses. This means they could know what wearers are doing and where they are going. A recent news report said that workers at a technology company had watched private videos filmed by smart glasses wearers.