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<\/p>\nA new iPhone app can alert users when Meta and other compatible smart glasses may be nearby, offering bystanders an additional warning about potentially hidden wearable cameras.<\/p>\n
The app, named \u2018Zuckoff\u2019, was developed by Polish programmer Pawel Szydlowski (pictured below) in response to videos showing people being recorded or harassed without their knowledge.<\/p>\n
It detects Bluetooth signals broadcast by compatible smart glasses and compares their identifiers against a catalogue created by Szydlowski after examining several devices.<\/p>\n
Some Bluetooth services identify themselves using terms connected to Meta or Ray-Ban, while a combination\u00a0 of unique and manufacturer identifiers can provide greater confidence that compatible glasses are nearby.<\/p>\n
The app\u2019s main scanning screen estimates the proximity of detected glasses. A paid Zuckoff Pro tier can send notifications while the app is running in the background.<\/p>\n
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However, Zuckoff cannot determine whether the glasses are actively recording, identify their wearer or intercept any content. It only detects signals openly broadcast by nearby devices.<\/p>\n
The app has attracted approximately 5,000 users since launching on Apple\u2019s App Store last month.<\/p>\n
Privacy concerns surrounding Meta\u2019s camera-equipped glasses have intensified as their popularity increases. Critics argue the small recording light can be difficult for bystanders to notice, while modified devices have appeared with the indicator disabled or obscured.<\/p>\n
Meta recently disabled thousands of glasses it found had been altered to prevent the recording light from operating.<\/p>\n
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Instagram has also removed accounts accused of using the glasses to publish videos involving harassment, although similar footage continues circulating online.<\/p>\n
Some venues, including nightclubs, cinemas and schools internationally, have moved to ban smart glasses entirely.<\/p>\n
Szydlowski has proposed an industry-wide alert system similar to the unwanted-tracking warnings supported by Apple and Google, allowing smartphones to automatically notify users when recording-capable glasses are nearby.<\/p>\n
The app arrives as smart-glasses competition and regulatory scrutiny increase in Australia. HTC\u2019s A$799 VIVE Eagle<\/a> launches locally this month with a visible recording light, automatic shutdown if the indicator is covered and a voice command allowing bystanders to stop filming. Other brands such as TCL<\/a> are also moving into the space.<\/p>\n