Ray-Ban Meta: Is it really forbidden to film strangers in the street with smart glasses ?

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metaYou were planning to buy Ray-Ban Meta connected glasses to immortalize your moments of life ? Be careful before triggering the camera. The CNIL has just reminded Tech & Co of the legislation in force. And it is more restrictive than one might think.

Filming yes, but for yourself

If the CNIL has to issue a reminder of the law, it is because the discretion of the cameras in smart glasses presents an intrusive aspect that is still unprecedented. However, the rules in force are the same as those applied to any device capable of filming, including smartphones.

The CNIL therefore reminds users that they must comply with the rules of the GDPR. Thus, they can film strangers in the street without any problem for ” a strictly personal activity “. The images must not be distributed under any circumstances, in any form whatsoever: online, on social networks, live, delayed, etc.

“The use of the device would therefore be illegal” in the event of distribution of the content. The user must respect the “principle of loyalty and transparency which requires that the persons filmed or photographed are informed of the processing of their personal data and are able to exercise their rights”.

In summary, people filmed in the street must give their consent. Audiovisual companies are in the habit of having people filmed sign broadcasting agreements. It is hard to see how every individual filming with an iPhone or Ray-Ban Meta could do the same.

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Smart glasses or smartphones: same fight

These limitations are not exclusive to smart glasses. Any device that allows filming is governed by this regulation, including the smartphone. So why is Meta particularly singled out??

First of all, because glasses are a new technology. And like any innovation, it tends to scare people. Then, the quasi-invisible nature of the device can be disturbing.The Ray-Ban Meta does display a light around the lens when recording, but this indicator remains more discreet than a smartphone camera pointed at a stranger.

While Meta explains on its website that its glasses allow you to share “a unique point of view by broadcasting live on Instagram and Facebook”, the company still specifies that it is preferable to stop “the recording if a person prefers not to be filmed”. She also adds that each user must be ” particularly vigilant “ to the people around them ” before going live “. Noted.

So is it really forbidden to film strangers in the street ? Yes, if we plan to distribute them. No, if the contents remain private.

There are other exceptions. On the Service Public website, it is indicated that these rules do not apply in the event of a public demonstration or during current events. In general, any content disseminated within the framework of the right to information is not affected by this ban.

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