An Android app, namely Nearby Glasses, is aiming to counter the rise of smart eyewear that can secretly record audio and video. The application is developed by independent creator Yves Jeanrenaud. The tool notifies the user when compatible surveillance devices are detected nearby. The release comes amid growing public concern over privacy, consent, and the expanding presence of always recording consumer technology in daily life.
Independent developer launches “Nearby Glasses” app to counter smart surveillance devices
More and more people are using luxury surveillance devices, particularly smart glasses, in their daily lives. While the growth may be beneficial for brands, it has worried privacy advocates. It’s hard to distinguish smart glasses from regular eyewear. Brands such as Meta, working with Oakley and Ray-Ban, and Snap have released connected frames that can capture photos or livestream footage without any noticeable visual signals.
Critics argue that people nearby may be recorded without knowledge or consent. The developer Jeanrenaud said he was influenced by reporting from 404 Media that examined how connected glasses were used during immigration raids and harassment incidents involving vulnerable communities.
Nearby Glasses works by continuously looking for Bluetooth signals that contain manufacturer identifiers publicly assigned to device makers. When the app detects hardware linked to Meta or Snap, it sends a notification to the user. The system also allows custom identifiers, expanding detection to other wearable tech. In interviews with TechCrunch, the developer described the glasses as an intolerable intrusion and opposed built in face recognition features. He described the app as a resistance against unchecked data collection in public spaces.
There’s one major issue with the app
In the same interview, Jeanrenaud acknowledged that the app can produce false positives, especially when other Bluetooth products from the same manufacturer are nearby. For example, a virtual reality headset may trigger an alert even if no glasses are present. The developer says the app is “desperate” but a necessary response to rapid surveillance growth. As of right now, the app is available for Android phones. The developer has not shared any official words on the iPhone app release yet.
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