A German advocacy organization has lodged a criminal complaint against Meta and firms distributing the company’s AI-enabled glasses in Germany, claiming the products breach privacy regulations. Digital rights group HateAid stated on Wednesday that the release of the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer devices contravenes German data protection laws, highlighting ongoing legal concerns in a country that places strong emphasis on personal privacy. The group argued there is no way to avoid potential unnoticed recording and online exposure. It reported Meta executives, units of EssilorLuxottica including Ray-Ban, and retailers Fielmann, Apollo-Optik, Mister Spex and MediaMarkt to the Frankfurt digital crime unit ZIT. The complaint relies on a federal law banning the sale of communication devices intended for covert filming. ZIT confirmed receipt of the filing and said it would conduct a preliminary review. MediaMarktSaturn said it takes the matter seriously and requires suppliers to ensure legal compliance. Mister Spex noted it had not received formal notice but prioritizes privacy protection. Other firms did not respond immediately. The Federal Network Agency stated in 2023 that connected devices enabling hidden recordings are prohibited, but told Reuters it is monitoring the market without launching a formal probe, provided any recording function is visibly indicated. A Hamburg state privacy agency has also pursued legal action regarding smart glasses use, according to broadcaster SWR. HateAid reported rising cases of image-based digital abuse, mainly against women, and described smart glasses as enabling discreet surveillance disguised as ordinary items.
