Melbourne smartglasses photo sparks privacy backlash, but blind users see benefits

A man in Melbourne was secretly photographed via Meta smartglasses, intensifying a backlash over the devices’ privacy risks and prompting calls for curbs. Meta has sold over seven million Ray-Ban smart glasses. Cheaper versions, including Kmart’s Anko glasses at A$89, drew a 21,000-signature petition for a ban. A study found about 60% of sampled interactions could be harassment. Advocates for blind and low-vision users say the hands-free, AI-assisted glasses are life-changing, helping with navigation, reading, and daily tasks, though privacy concerns remain.