Australia Probes Chinese App Maker Over Smart Glasses Privacy
Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind launched an investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng after the company failed to address concerns over covert recording capabilities in AI-enabled smart glasses.
Australian Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind has launched an investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology Co. Ltd, the China-based developer of the HeyCyan app used in low-cost AI-enabled smart glasses. The probe follows a request from Attorney-General Michelle Rowland regarding the risk of non-consensual recording of women and children. The investigation was triggered after the company failed to respond to preliminary inquiries about how it captures and stores footage, leaving Kind with no assurance that the firm is protecting the personal data of Australians under the Privacy Act.
The devices, sold by retailers including Kmart and Amazon, faced intense public backlash and were labeled "pervert glasses" due to their ability to covertly record high-definition video. In response to a GetUp petition signed by over 57,000 people and campaigning by activist Gina Martin, Kmart removed its $89 Anko-branded smart glasses from its online store. Kind has urged other responsible retailers to reconsider selling these devices and advised the Australian Retail Council to warn member businesses about the risks of surveillance wearables.
While the federal government is considering restrictions in government workplaces and pursuing Privacy Act reforms to introduce a "fair and reasonable" test for surveillance wearables, local governments have taken faster action. The city councils of Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne have already banned the glasses in public spaces, including public pools and leisure centres. The investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng could result in orders to stop risky practices, redress for damages, or civil penalties through the Federal Court.
