AMSTERDAM, October 3: Dutch eyewear retailer Hans Anders has suspended sales of Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses in the Netherlands and Belgium, citing growing privacy concerns and an intensifying public debate over camera-equipped wearable devices.
The company said the glasses are no longer available through its stores or online platform while it waits for greater clarity on how such devices should be used and regulated.
Hans Anders Suspends Smart Glasses Sales
Hans Anders said its decision follows growing public and political discussion surrounding smart glasses and concerns about the conditions under which users can record people around them.
The retailer has not announced when, or whether, sales will resume.
Privacy Concerns Focus on Hidden Recording
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses resemble conventional eyewear but include cameras, microphones and artificial-intelligence features.
Privacy groups argue that their discreet design can make it difficult for people nearby to know when they are being photographed or recorded.
Dutch Privacy Regulator Raises Concerns
The Netherlands’ privacy regulator has warned about the legal implications of recording identifiable people using camera-equipped glasses.
Sharing or publishing footage of identifiable individuals can require their consent, creating complications when the technology is used in public spaces.
Consumer Group Threatens Legal Action
Dutch consumer organisation Consumentenbond has demanded changes to the glasses and warned that it could take Meta to court if privacy concerns are not addressed.
The organisation argues that existing safeguards may not adequately prevent people from being recorded without their knowledge.
Meta Defends Recording Indicator
Meta says its smart glasses include a visible indicator light that activates when users take photos or record video.
The company says the indicator cannot normally be switched off and that the camera is designed to stop working if attempts are made to interfere with the system.
Privacy Debate Spreads Beyond Netherlands
Concerns surrounding camera-equipped smart glasses are also emerging internationally.
Businesses in other countries have introduced restrictions on their use, while legal disputes have raised questions about how recorded footage is processed and viewed.
Hans Anders Operates Hundreds of Stores
Hans Anders is part of Nexeye, which operates hundreds of eyewear stores across several European countries.
The Ray-Ban Meta glasses were being sold by the chain in the Netherlands and Belgium, where sales have now been suspended.
Smart Glasses Face Growing Regulatory Scrutiny
The controversy highlights the wider challenge facing wearable AI products as cameras and artificial intelligence become increasingly integrated into everyday devices.
Regulators, technology companies and retailers are now under growing pressure to balance new features with stronger protections for people who may be recorded without actively using the technology themselves.
Source – Reuters / Hans Anders / Consumentenbond / The Indian Express Reuters
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