German digital rights group HateAid files criminal complaint against Meta over Ray-Ban smart glasses privacy violations

Published Aug 13, 03:56 PM UTC

The German digital rights non-profit HateAid has filed a criminal complaint against Meta and several optical retailers selling Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, calling for a sales ban in Germany. The complaint alleges that the glasses, which are indistinguishable from normal eyewear but contain a hidden camera capable of recording and transmitting footage to social media, violate Germany's Telecommunications Digital Services Data Protection Act. Critics have dubbed the devices 'pervert glasses' due to the risk of non-consensual recording and sexualization. The complaint also argues the glasses serve to cement Meta's data monopoly and market power. Separately, courts in England and Wales have banned the use of the glasses, joining UK restaurants, theatres, and pubs in prohibiting the device. Meta expanded its smart glasses line in June 2026 with new frames starting at $299.