Campaigners demand ban on Meta glasses over Tube safety fears

Campaigners are urging for a prohibition on Meta's AI smart glasses, commonly referred to as 'pervert glasses', amid escalating worries about their impact on women's safety across Transport for London's (TfL) network. This call follows reports that sexual offences on the Tube reached a five-year peak in December 2025, with train carriages and stations identified as hotspots for harassment and violence against women.

A 2026 study analysing British Transport Police data revealed that 58% of sexual offence incidents occur within train carriages. The same study indicated that 99% of individuals targeted by upskirting are women. Campaigners suggest that the discreet nature of smart glasses could amplify these existing problems.

Concerns over Exploitation and Abuse

Liz Hunter, a campaigner with Stop Smart Glasses, stated that public transport can already be a frightening environment for women. She believes AI glasses open the door to extensive abuse and exploitation, describing them as a "gift to criminals and people with bad intentions." Guy Holder, also from Stop Smart Glasses, warned that the glasses could lead to increased harm for vulnerable individuals. Beyond voyeurism and upskirting, Holder highlighted the potential for doxxing and stalking.

The covert filming capabilities of the glasses are a primary concern for campaigners, who argue this facilitates and encourages violence against vulnerable people. Meta maintains that a blinking white light on the glasses indicates recording, and their guidance suggests users should stop recording if someone expresses discomfort. However, Hunter and Holder argue this places victims in confrontational situations, questioning the power dynamic involved when a victim must challenge a perpetrator to stop being filmed.

Beth Knight, who was filmed by a man wearing Meta glasses at London Waterloo station when she was 17, shared her experience on Channel 4 News. She described feeling "scared" and "angry" that her image was used to convey a message she did not endorse. While filming in public spaces is not generally illegal, Holder cautioned that the technology could be used detrimentally in various London locations, including nightclubs, school gates, parks, and other crowded areas.

Regulatory Landscape and Official Response

Jack Coulson, head of advocacy at Big Brother Watch, acknowledged that men taking photos of women without consent has been an issue, but the glasses make it easier. Big Brother Watch has called for tighter regulation of surveillance technology, including smart glasses, rather than an outright ban, noting potential benefits for individuals with disabilities. Stop Smart Glasses, however, maintains that accessibility and privacy should not be mutually exclusive.

A TfL spokesperson stated that all users must comply with the law and that the organisation does not tolerate harassment, encouraging customers to report uncomfortable behaviour. TfL has indicated it has no plans to restrict the use of specific devices on its network. The Metropolitan Police stated that while unsolicited filming in public is not an offence, officers will act if it causes harassment, distress, or has a criminal purpose. They urged anyone made to feel uncomfortable to report incidents to help improve intelligence.

Meta has stated that privacy is built into its AI glasses, citing the unturnable blinking LED light that indicates recording. They claim the camera is disabled if the LED is covered or damaged and that they will continue to strengthen protections.

Stop Smart Glasses has launched a petition to ban the sale and promotion of smart glasses, which has gathered approximately 8,000 signatures in three months.