Wearable tech could prompt policy updates, says Oliver Milton, but it’s important not to take a blanket approach
The growing availability of discreet smart glasses means employers may need to revisit workplace policies dealing with data protection, confidentiality, privacy and harassment.
Smart glasses, such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses, combine discreet cameras with other AI-powered features. As the technology becomes more commonplace and less noticeable, it is easier for employees to make covert recordings at work that could capture confidential business information, trade secrets or personal data.
This could include:
Unlike recording on a mobile phone, smart glasses can be used hands free and without drawing attention, making secret recording much easier and increasing the risk of workplace disputes.
Covert workplace recording is not a new issue, particularly in disciplinary and grievance processes, but smart glasses may make it harder for employers to identify when recording is taking place and to manage later disputes about what was captured. Even where a recording breaches workplace rules, employment tribunals may still admit it as evidence, depending on the circumstances.
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