Privacy watchdog launches probe into China-based company behind Kmart ‘pervert glasses’ app
Summary
Australia’s privacy regulator has started investigating the China-based company Shenzhen Qingcheng, which makes the HeyCyan app used in Kmart’s $89 smartglasses. This follows concerns about privacy and secret recording with the glasses, leading to calls for restrictions and a possible ban on their use in public places and government offices.Key Facts
- Kmart sold smartglasses branded Anko that can take photos and record videos, raising privacy concerns.
- The HeyCyan app made by Shenzhen Qingcheng is installed on these smartglasses.
- Australia’s privacy commissioner, Carly Kind, began an investigation after the company did not respond to privacy inquiries.
- Other companies like Meta and Google, which also make smartglasses, are not currently being investigated.
- Privacy laws in Australia mainly cover companies, not individual users of these devices.
- Proposed changes to the privacy law aim to better regulate smartglasses and other recording devices by requiring more fair and clear privacy practices.
- Local councils in Australia have started banning the glasses in some public spaces like swimming pools.
- Research showed many videos taken with smartglasses involved discomfort or harassment of people being recorded.
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