What do policymakers need to know about the use of AI-powered ‘smart glasses’?
In early November, Virtual Routes partnered with Limina Immersive, the University of the West of England and SPRITE+ to organize a discussion about the opportunities and risks concerning the use of AI smart glasses. SPRITE+, otherwise known as The Security, Privacy, Identity and Trust Engagement Network Plus, is a UK-wide network of academic, industry, government and civil society experts working together on digital trust and security. The discussion took place at the United Nations Association in London, gathering a range of policymakers, academics and civil society representatives.
The aim of the discussion was to analyse policy options regarding AI smart glasses, taking into account both their benefits and potential harms through misuse and abuse, as well as the wider implications of glasses-based ambient AI for individual privacy and societal norms. The topics under discussion included, among others, the implications for workers’ rights, accessibility for people with visual impairments, public safety, and national security. The event also offered attendees the chance to try smart glasses for themselves, giving them first-hand experience of the devices’ capabilities and the latest advances in ambient AI technology.
During this event, Virtual Routes Co-Director James Shires delivered a presentation on the cybersecurity risks of smart glasses. James explored four different threat models: threats coming from the user (such as unauthorized modification and removal of safety features), threats from other individuals with physical access (such as situations of technology-facilitated abuse), threats stemming from physical proximity (such as hacking via Bluetooth or other connectivity, as well as QR-code phishing or “quishing”) and remote threats (via access to connected apps or cloud data processing and storage). The presentation also covered novel methods for individuals to detect the use of smart glasses by others in their environment and offered suggestions on the applicability of relevant regulation, including the UK’s Product Security and Telecommunications Act (PSTI), and the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and AI Act.
We look forward to contributing further in this important and timely policy area, building on the conversations started at this event and working closely with policymakers, experts and civil society to make sure that AI smart glasses are developed and used responsibly.
