EDPB Issues Privacy Guidance for Smart Glasses Affecting Retail Advice and Manufacturer Obligations

On October 13, 2026, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) adopted a reference declaration regarding the impact of smart glasses on privacy. The statement is not a general ban but an explicit warning to manufacturers, retailers, and users. It highlights risks in sensitive environments like schools, healthcare facilities, and workplaces. The EDPB clarifies that while strictly personal use falls under the domestic exception, publishing content or professional use makes the wearer responsible for data processing under GDPR rules. Manufacturers are required to integrate effective visual and audio recording indicators, along with technical safeguards such as automatic blurring and geofencing. For optical retailers, this mandates providing usage advice to customers, including explaining recording indicators, respecting others' privacy, understanding public sharing restrictions, and configuring app settings.