A Scots employment law solicitor is warning businesses they could face a growing range of legal and practical challenges as AI-powered smart glasses become increasingly accessible.
Liam Entwistle, partner and employment law specialist at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP (WJM), said employers should be considering now how wearable technology that is capable of recording conversations, taking photographs and capturing video could affect their workplaces.
With some smart glasses capable of recording audio and visual material without the wearer having to visibly operate a phone or camera, Liam has warned employers need to consider what their existing workplace policies mean in practice.
He has also raised concerns about whether AI-powered glasses could particularly impact neurodivergent employees.
Mr Entwistle said: “Smart glasses present a huge problem for employers. By simply putting on wearable tech, one of your employees can record conversations with you or with colleagues, without anyone – except the wearer – knowing anything about it.
“Even if someone isn’t actively recording with smart glasses on, the fact that those around them may not know whether they are being recorded can create a very uncomfortable – or even intimidating – environment. That uncertainty can make people feel as though they are being observed or monitored, particularly where there is an imbalance of power, such as between a manager and a member of their team.
“Neurodivergent employees may be...
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