Australia opens privacy probe into HeyCyan smart glasses

Australia’s privacy watchdog has opened an investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng, the developer of the HeyCyan app used by smart glasses sold in the country, after the company did not respond to preliminary inquiries. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) says the investigation will examine how the devices handle personal information, including how they record it, who can access it and where it is stored. Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said the lack of a response meant the OAIC had no assurance that Shenzhen Qingcheng was protecting Australians’ personal information. She said the investigation would allow the regulator to examine the issue using its full range of powers, including compulsory information-gathering notices. The company’s reasons for not responding are not reported. The HeyCyan app is used with a range of smart glasses, including Anko-branded camera glasses sold by Kmart for $89. The app enables features such as listening to music, making or answering calls and using a voice assistant, alongside the glasses’ camera function. Similar devices using the app have also been sold through other retailers.