Wary of strangers recording you? This app warns you when smart glasses are nearby
Source: Android Authority
Adam Birney / Android Authority
TL;DR
- A hobbyist developer has created an app that can alert you if someone nearby is wearing smart glasses.
- The app detects smart glasses by picking up the distinctive Bluetooth signatures the glasses emit.
- Called Nearby Glasses, the app is available on the Google Play Store.
Overview
Meta’s smart glasses have sparked interest in wearable tech, and other companies such as Google, Samsung, and Apple are expected to release their own versions soon. While these devices enable novel experiences, they also raise privacy concerns. For users who are uneasy about being recorded by nearby smart glasses, an Android app named Nearby Glasses offers a way to stay informed.
How the app works
- Detection method – The app scans for Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) advertising frames, which are small data packets broadcast by BLE devices.
- Target manufacturers – It specifically looks for advertising frames from Meta and Luxottica Group S.p.A., the latter of which partners with Meta and Snap on smart‑glass projects.
- Alert system – When an advertising frame from one of these manufacturers is detected, the app sends a notification to the user.
The developer, sociologist Yves Jeanrenaud, built the app using a directory of BLE manufacturers to focus the search on smart‑glass signatures. The source code is hosted on GitHub and the app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
Limitations
- False positives – Other hardware that emits similar BLE signals, such as a Meta Quest 2 VR headset, can trigger alerts.
- Not a guarantee of safety – The app does not provide complete protection against surveillance; it merely informs the user of potential nearby smart glasses.
Privacy concerns surrounding smart glasses
- Facial recognition – Meta plans to integrate facial recognition into its smart glasses, which could expose personal data (names, phone numbers, addresses, family members) to anyone wearing the device.
- Potential for abuse – The technology could be leveraged for stalking, harassment, or other invasive activities.
Developer’s perspective
When asked about his motivation, Jeanrenaud said:
“I consider it to be a tiny part of resistance against surveillance tech.”
He also cautioned users not to feel falsely secure, emphasizing that the app’s detection is not flawless.