Smart glasses can record you without you knowing

Smart glasses, also called AI glasses, often have a built-in camera that can record video. That means someone nearby could be filming you without your knowledge. Engadget lists this as a major downside, along with high prices and eye discomfort.

Who is buying them

Interest is growing. A 2026 Security.org survey found 25 percent of respondents said they were likely to buy a pair in the coming year. Tech creators and repair shops use them to show their daily work. Some seniors like the accessibility features, such as help with doctor visits and medication reminders. People with disabilities also use them, and Engadget says the need there is easier to justify.

What to weigh

The camera is the main worry. Engadget says smart glasses have repeatedly run into consent and privacy laws, and recording someone this quietly raises a red flag. Other points to consider:

• Price: Engadget calls the technology expensive.
• Comfort: some wearers report eye strain and irritation, like complaints about VR headsets.
• Privacy: a camera may be pointed at you in public spaces too.
• Use: whether they are worth it depends on how you would use them daily.

What is not clear

The article does not name specific brands or laws. It gives no figures on how common eye strain is. It also does not say whether any model signals when it is recording. Anyone shopping should check those details for the exact pair they are considering.