Stop Being Creepy
Advocate for humanity.
Protect your data. Protect your face. Protect your privacy.
20th century law is not designed for 21st century rights.
Contact your local legislator.
For Legislators
My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your City/Town]. I am writing to urge you to introduce or support legislation that addresses the growing privacy risks posed by wearable AI devices and “smart glasses.”
Current state laws regarding recording and wiretapping were largely written for a pre-wearable era. As these devices become more common, they allow for the passive, continuous, and often covert recording of private citizens without their knowledge or consent. This presents several urgent concerns for our community:
- Involuntary Biometric Capture: Many of these devices capture facial geometry and voiceprints that are processed by third-party AI models, often without the subject’s permission.
- The Erosion of Public Privacy: Constant ambient recording eliminates the “reasonable expectation of privacy” in shared spaces like gyms, offices, and neighborhood parks.
- Data Vulnerability: Once an individual’s likeness is captured and uploaded to a corporate cloud, they lose all control over how that data is stored, sold, or utilized for AI training.
I am requesting that you consider a bill that would:
- Require explicit consent for the recording of audio or video by wearable devices in settings with a reasonable expectation of privacy.
- Mandate conspicuous indicators (such as a standardized, non-disableable light) on all wearable recording tech.
- Prohibit the unauthorized collection of biometric data via wearable AI without written or digital opt-in from the subject.
As my representative, I value your commitment to protecting the digital and physical autonomy of our citizens. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss how we can make our state a leader in biometric and wearable privacy.
I look forward to hearing your position on this matter.
Conversation starters
The “Curious” Approach
Best for: Casual settings where you want to give them the benefit of the doubt.
- “Hey, those are interesting glasses. Are they currently recording? I’m not comfortable being on camera right now.”
- “Are those the AI ones? Just a heads-up, I’d prefer not to be filmed or processed while we’re chatting.”
- “Cool tech, but could you turn off the capture mode while I’m in the frame? I’m a bit of a stickler for privacy.”
The Direct Boundary
Best for: When it’s clear they are using the device to document the environment or you.
- “I noticed your glasses are recording. I haven’t given permission to be filmed, so please stop the recording or point them away.”
- “I value my privacy in public/this space. Please turn off the camera feature on your wearables while you’re interacting with me.”
- “I’m not okay with being part of your ‘data set’ or video. Please stop filming me.“
The Policy-Focused (Work or Private Property)
Best for: Offices, gyms, or private businesses.
- “Just so you know, this is a private space/professional environment, and I don’t consent to being recorded by your device.”
- “Does that device have a ‘Privacy Mode’? I’d appreciate it if you used it while we’re in this meeting.”
- “The policy here is ‘no filming without consent.’ I’m going to have to ask you to stow the wearables or disable the camera.”
Quick Tips for These Encounters
- Look for the LED: Most smart glasses (like Ray-Ban Metas) have a small white LED that pulses when recording. If you see it, they’re live.
- The “Hand Shield”: If they don’t stop, a simple hand up to block the lens is a universal “no” that usually gets the point across without a shouting match.
- Stay Grounded: People wearing these often forget they are essentially wearing a tripod on their face. A calm, firm reminder usually snaps them back to social reality.
Stop Being Creepy 