The Italian data authority is asking Facebook for clarification on smart glasses

MILAN, Sept. 10 (Reuters) – The Italian data protection authority said on Friday it had asked Facebook (FB.O) to provide clarification on the smart glasses recently launched by the social media giant to assess whether the product complies with privacy laws.

Facebook smart glasses, created in collaboration with Ray-Ban maker EssilorLuxottica (ESLX.PA), allow users to listen to music, make calls or capture photos and short videos and share them among Facebook services. through a complementary application. Read more

The Italian watchdog, Garante, said he had asked for clarification from the Irish data protection commissioner, who directs Facebook oversight because the European social media company’s headquarters are based in Ireland.

The Italian authority said it wanted to be informed about the measures Facebook has put in place to protect people filmed occasionally, particularly children, as well as about the systems adopted to make anonymous the data collected and the functions of the wizard. voice connected to the glasses.

“We know people have doubts about new technologies, so prior to the release of Ray-Ban Stories we partnered with the Irish DPC to share how we’ve incorporated privacy into product design and the functionality of the glasses to offer both the device owners and the people around them. peace of mind, “a Facebook spokesman said in a statement.

“We will answer Garante’s questions through the Irish DPC and look forward to our continued collaboration with regulators in Europe,” the spokesman added.

Report by Elvira Pollina; Additional reports from Sabahatjahan Contractor in Bengaluru Edition by Mark Porter and Matthew Lewis

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