Security News

Privacy regulator investigates maker of app behind budget smart glasses sold in Australia

Australian Cyber Security Magazine · 7 Oct 2026

Key Takeaway Before allowing smart glasses or other camera-equipped wearables in your workplace, check who makes the companion app and whether the vendor can explain how recorded data is stored and accessed.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has started an investigation into the privacy practices of Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology Co. Ltd, the China-based maker of the HeyCyan smart glasses phone app. The OAIC said the app is used with Anko smart glasses sold by Kmart, as well as low-cost products on Big W Marketplace and Amazon.

The regulator said it has been monitoring the smart glasses roll-out since early 2026. In August 2026 it received a request from the Attorney-General to examine the privacy implications of these devices. From 12 August, it sent preliminary inquiries to manufacturers and distributors including Meta, Kmart, Google and Shenzhen Qingcheng, asking how the glasses record information, who can access it and where it is stored. The OAIC said Shenzhen Qingcheng did not respond.

Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said she has no assurance the company is protecting Australians' personal data as the Privacy Act requires, and that the silence raises concerns about its practices under APP 1. The investigation allows her to use her full powers, including compulsory information gathering notices. She has also written to retailers of devices using the app, urging them to consider whether it is appropriate to keep selling them.

privacy OAIC smart glasses Privacy Act wearables

Summarised by CISO AI from Australian Cyber Security Magazine, written with Claude Sonnet 5.5. We link back to every original so you can read it yourself.