Smart‑Glasses Alert: A New Android App Tries to Keep You Safe

A new Android app called Nearby Glasses can warn people when smart glasses that use Bluetooth are close by. The program was created by Yves Jeanrenaud, a researcher from Darmstadt University in Germany. It looks for special identifiers that are always sent by the glasses’ Bluetooth signals, such as those from Ray‑Ban Meta AI Glasses. Because the unique device addresses are shuffled each time, the only constant is the manufacturer’s ID. The app scans for these IDs in the tiny advertising packets that all Bluetooth Low Energy devices broadcast. If it finds a match, it notifies the user. Jeanrenaud cautions that other Bluetooth products from the same maker—like Meta VR headsets—could trigger a false alarm. He also urges people not to jump to conclusions or confront someone just because the app says they are wearing smart glasses. The repository that ships with the software contains a stern warning against harassment based on the app’s output. This new tool comes amid growing public unease about non‑consensual recording. In December, a viral incident on the New York subway saw a woman smash Meta AI glasses that were being worn by a TikToker. The event sparked debate about privacy and the right to record in public spaces. Similar controversies have involved “manfluencers” who secretly film women and post the footage online, creating misogynistic content. These situations highlight how smart glasses can be used for harassment or stalking.Meta has responded by noting that their glasses have a visible LED light that turns on when recording, making it obvious to others. The company also says its terms of service require users to follow all laws and use the glasses responsibly. However, the LED can be disabled, and many people do not realize that smart glasses are recording devices. Even though filming in public is generally legal, audio capture or facial recognition can trigger state wiretapping laws that require consent from all parties. A recent court case in California saw a judge criticize Meta staff for wearing Ray‑Ban Meta AI Glasses during testimony, violating court rules. The app is a step toward giving people more awareness of the devices around them. Yet it also raises questions about privacy, consent, and how technology can be misused. Users should stay informed, respect others’ boundaries, and remember that the mere presence of a smart glass does not automatically mean someone is spying. The balance between convenience and privacy will continue to be a hot topic as these devices become more common.