The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner (ODPC) in Kenya has started investigations into the popular Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses. The move comes after concerns that the glasses may be used for mass surveillance and collecting personal data without consent.

The ODPC acted on its own, known as suo motu, meaning it did not wait for anyone to file a formal complaint. 

This follows a request from The Oversight Lab, a Nairobi-based digital rights organization. The group asked the ODPC to urgently look into the potential privacy risks of these smart glasses.

Ray-Ban Meta glasses are made in partnership with Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram. Unlike normal glasses, they have a small hidden camera. 

This camera can record videos without people knowing. Many Kenyans worry that the glasses could invade privacy and collect sensitive information secretly.

Over 150 organizations and individuals in Kenya signed a letter supporting the investigation. They asked the ODPC to carry out the process openly and involve the public. Mercy Mutemi, the Executive Director of The Oversight Lab, said transparency is important. 

She explained that the results of this investigation could shape Kenya’s digital rules and policies in the future.

The privacy risks became more serious after a viral story emerged about a man called the “Russian Guy.” He allegedly used these glasses to lure women to his apartment and secretly record them. This case showed that the threat is real and happening in Nairobi, not just a theory.

Journalists, including Naipanoi Lepapa from Swedish media, reported that some of the footage collected globally was sent to a company in Nairobi. Workers at the facility reportedly reviewed and labeled sensitive content. 

This included private bathroom moments, intimate scenes, financial details, and even violent and pornographic material. All this was done without proper consent or protection.

The Oversight Lab claims that this may break Kenya’s data protection laws. They also say that Meta could be using the collected videos to train artificial intelligence systems without permission from the people recorded.

Other countries are also investigating these glasses. The United Kingdom has started its own review, and Meta faces legal action in the United States over similar issues.

The ODPC said it will share the results of the investigation once it is finished. Kenyans are watching closely, hoping that the outcome will protect their privacy and guide the country on how technology should be used responsibly.