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25 August 2026

Privacy concerns with smart glasses

The topic directly engages with the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023 and the constitutional right to privacy established in the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment, making it a significant governance and legal issue for the UPSC Mains.

2 min read 2 questions 1 prelims

Notes

  • Smart glasses integrate cameras, microphones, and speakers into eyewear to enable voice-commanded calls, messaging, and recording.
  • Privacy concerns arise from the inconspicuous nature of these devices, making it difficult for subjects to know when they are being recorded.
  • Technical workarounds exist for LED recording indicators, and audio alerts are often insufficient for notice.
  • Meta's data policy allows contracted workers to review user-captured data, raising concerns about sensitive content exposure.
  • NCRB 2023 data indicates 3,678 cases of women-centred cybercrimes, with 2,767 involving sexually explicit material, highlighting potential risks of non-consensual recording.
  • The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, is technologically agnostic and focuses on the purpose of data collection.
  • The K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) judgment established the 'reasonable expectation of privacy' as a fundamental right under Article 21.
  • A legal gap exists because the DPDPA excludes publicly available information, potentially failing to regulate recording in public spaces where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
  • Proposed regulatory approach: Focus on technology-aware legislation, risk assessments, and government responsibility rather than outright bans.

Questions

  1. The emergence of wearable AI-powered devices poses significant challenges to the 'reasonable expectation of privacy' as defined in the K.S. Puttaswamy judgment. Discuss the limitations of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, in addressing these surveillance concerns. 150 words
    Attempt this — 150 words in 8 min
    0 / 150 words 8:00
  2. Technological innovation often outpaces the legal framework, creating vulnerabilities in individual privacy and data security. In the context of smart glasses and wearable technology, examine the need for a comprehensive regulatory mechanism that balances technological advancement with the fundamental right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. 250 words
    Attempt this — 250 words in 11 min
    0 / 250 words 11:00

Prelims

  1. Which of the following best describes the 'reasonable expectation of privacy' as established by the Supreme Court of India?

Syllabus

Topics

Sources

250words.in · https://250words.in/daily/2026-08-25/privacy-concerns-with-smart-glasses