Smart glasses are causing chaos in India, as seen through the lens of Shubnam, a 38-year-old transfeminine graphic designer. An innocent encounter at a protest turned into a viral, transphobic nightmare, all thanks to covert recording. The incident highlights the growing privacy concerns surrounding these devices as they become mainstream.

Experts warn that the issue is particularly acute in India, where covert recording and the circulation of images without consent are already common. The authorities, who are themselves increasingly adopting AI-powered surveillance, pose a significant challenge to curbing these technologies. Reliance Jio, a major telecommunications company, is set to release a cheaper rival to Meta's glasses, further amplifying the problem.

The core issue lies in the unobtrusive nature of these cameras. Shubnam's experience is emblematic of a broader trend where women and marginalized groups face greater harm when their footage is captured and circulated without their consent. The technology isn't just a target of viral pranks; it's also being used by the police as a tool of surveillance, raising serious questions about the balance between security and privacy.

The risk is not borne equally, and the lack of digital literacy in India exacerbates the issue. Meta claims its safeguards work but faces scrutiny, especially given the ongoing legal and social disputes over filming and consent in the country. As these devices proliferate, the lines between public and private space are becoming increasingly blurred.