‘People call them pervert glasses’: Blind users fear backlash over smart tech
AI-powered smart glasses are helping blind and sight-impaired people navigate, read signs and manage everyday tasks, but reports of covert filming have made some users wary of wearing them in public. Users say the backlash risks undermining their independence and making others mistake accessibility use for harmful recording.
Fraser Fleming, 44, says he sometimes removes his glasses to avoid confrontation, while Tracey Rogerson says they are central to her independence. Meta says a light indicates when its glasses are recording and warns against harmful use; it has sold about two million pairs since February last year. ComicCon Scotland and other events have restricted wearable recording devices, meaning severely sight-impaired attendee Gordon Brown will miss the Edinburgh convention.
- Smart glasses help blind users navigate daily life.
- Backlash over covert filming makes some wary of wearing them.
- Event bans have affected sight-impaired attendees.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Smart glasses can help blind and sight-impaired people read signs, navigate and manage daily tasks, giving users greater independence and access to public life. Restricting them or treating wearers with suspicion because some people misuse recording technology may unfairly burden disabled people; safeguards such as recording indicators and clear rules against harmful filming could address privacy concerns while preserving access.
The case against
Smart glasses can record people in public, raising legitimate privacy concerns when bystanders may not know they are being filmed or how footage will be used. Event organisers can reasonably restrict wearable recording devices to protect attendees and enforce consistent rules, particularly where a recording light may not reassure everyone or prevent misuse.