Google announced privacy protections for its new intelligent eyewear, detailing features designed for wearers and bystanders. The company said the glasses include physical hardware indicators and software safeguards to protect data and limit intrusive recording.
According to Google, the eyewear features an outward-facing LED indicator that lights up when the user takes a photo or video. If the light is covered or tampered with, sensors prevent the device from capturing media.
When a user asks the Gemini AI a question about their surroundings, the glasses are designed to automatically redact bystanders’ faces before the AI processes the visuals, the company said. Google stated that camera visuals sent to Gemini are not saved in Gemini History, are not used to train AI models, and are not used to target ads. The device also uses directional microphones to focus on the wearer’s voice by default.
All data stored on the glasses is encrypted, as is data transmitted to a phone or the cloud. Wearers have a physical switch on the frames to turn the glasses completely off. App permissions for the camera can be managed individually by the user.
Google outlined several restrictions for using the device. The company said people setting up the eyewear must consent to rules against filming individuals without their consent, capturing footage in private areas, or obscuring the recording light. Violating these terms may result in the user’s ability to use the glasses being disabled. The device requires a compatible 18-plus Google Account to set up.
Additionally, Google Play policies prohibit apps from using the eyewear camera for real-time facial identification or social live-streaming. Google Shopping and Ads policies ban promotions for products that hide the recording lights.