Australian privacy watchdog investigates Chinese firm behind Kmart smartglasses app

Australia's privacy regulator has opened a formal investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng, the China-based company behind the HeyCyan app used with a pair of smartglasses sold by Kmart, after public outrage over the devices' covert recording capabilities.

According to the regulator, Shenzhen Qingcheng failed to respond to its inquiries, prompting the watchdog to escalate the matter into a formal probe. The investigation follows widespread concern in Australia after reports that Kmart's 89-dollar Anko-branded smartglasses, built on Meta's smartglasses design, could capture images and record high-definition video without an obvious indication to bystanders that recording was taking place.

Public backlash over covert recording

The glasses drew significant attention after reports emerged in August detailing how the discount smartglasses could be used to covertly photograph or film people in public without their knowledge or consent. The ensuing backlash led to calls from privacy advocates and members of the public for the devices to be banned or more tightly restricted.

Kmart reportedly sold out of the Anko-branded version of the glasses following the surge of attention, despite the concerns raised about their potential for misuse.

The privacy commissioner's office said its investigation centers on the conduct of Shenzhen Qingcheng as the developer of the HeyCyan software that powers the glasses' recording functions, rather than on Kmart as the retailer. The outcome of the probe could have implications for how wearable recording devices sold in Australia are regulated going forward, particularly where the underlying software is developed by an overseas company that may be difficult for local regulators to compel into cooperation.

It is not yet clear what enforcement options are available to the regulator if Shenzhen Qingcheng continues not to respond to its inquiries.