Paris Prosecutors Open Criminal Probe Into Smart Glasses Harassment

Paris prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into suspected sexual harassment linked to the use of smart glasses, marking a significant legal step in addressing a social media trend of non-consensual filming. The probe, announced on September 18, 2026, follows complaints about individuals using camera-equipped glasses to covertly record women in public and post the footage online. The investigation is being conducted by the cybercrime division of the Paris prosecutors' office, which recently conducted technical tests on smart glasses to better understand potential crimes. While prosecutors have not specified the brand of devices involved, the scrutiny centers on Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which dominate the global market with an estimated 76% share. The company, in partnership with EssilorLuxottica, sold over 7 million units in 2025. The case highlights a gap in French law, which currently only provides penalties for recording someone's image without consent in private places, not in public areas. This legal distinction is a key factor in the prosecutors' decision to open a criminal inquiry, which could set a precedent for handling covert street filming.