In a disturbing trend, a growing number of women in the UK, US, and Australia have been secretly filmed in public by men using hidden cameras in smart glasses, only to have the footage posted online without their consent. The victims, including Dilara, a 21-year-old Londoner, and Kim, a 56-year-old from West Sussex, have described the experience as a “violation” and a “heart-drop moment,” leaving them feeling exploited and distressed.
The recordings, often posted on TikTok under the guise of “dating advice,” have amassed millions of views, with the men behind the videos potentially profiting from their content through coaching services and the platform’s Creator Reward Program. Despite the women’s efforts to have the videos removed, the platforms have often been slow to act, with Dilara initially being told by TikTok that no violations had been found.
The issue has raised concerns about the lack of specific laws in the UK to protect individuals from being filmed without their consent, even in public spaces. Privacy lawyer Jamie Hurworth warns that “being in a public place doesn’t necessarily mean it’s ‘fair game’ to be filmed and then have that video uploaded online.”
Charities and experts have criticised the manufacturers of smart glasses, such as Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories, for “prioritising profit over women’s safety and wellbeing” and failing to implement robust safeguards. While the glasses are designed to display a white light when recording, the BBC has found that this feature can be easily disabled or covered up.
The victims have faced further harassment, with Dilara reporting constant phone calls and messages, some of which were abusive. Kim, who was approached by a man on a beach, says she received thousands of messages, including sexual propositions, after her footage was posted online.
The issue has sparked calls for stronger legal protections and more proactive action from tech companies to prevent such incidents. Beatriz Kira, an associate professor of law at the University of Sussex, suggests a more flexible approach to emerging technologies and online regulation, while Rebecca Hitchen of the End Violence Against Women Coalition believes platforms should be “required to take proactive preventative action.”
As the women grapple with the aftermath of their unwitting participation in these videos, the broader implications of this trend highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to safeguard individuals from non-consensual filming and the exploitation of their personal information online.
