Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
3 min of reading 
0 comments 
Devices with camera, microphone, and AI expand viral videos, but raise debate about privacy, LGPD, and image rights.
The popularization of smart glasses has created a new wave of pranks on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. These videos show spontaneous reactions of unknown people, recorded by discreet devices, often without clear notice.
Digital law experts warn that exposing third parties without consent can lead to legal consequences. According to lawyer Patrícia Peck, being filmed in public does not automatically constitute a crime or compensation, but publishing without authorization increases the risk of violating privacy, image, and honor.
Discreet devices change the way of recording
Smart glasses have a camera, microphone, speakers, and artificial intelligence features. Some models allow recording videos, taking photos, answering calls, translating texts, and publishing content directly on social media.
-
A torpedo-sized submarine robot was launched through a 600-meter hole in the “doomsday glacier” and revealed cracks melting up to 10 times faster; Icefin showed from the inside how warm water threatens Thwaites, an ice mass capable of raising sea levels by almost 70 cm.
-
The iPod is back in full force: young people are reviving Apple’s old device to escape digital distractions and control their own soundtrack.
-
For the first time in history, a submarine cable will descend to four thousand meters deep under the ice of the North Pole to ensure that the internet between Europe and Asia no longer depends on conflict zones in the Middle East.
-
A British company has installed in the middle of the ocean the world’s first floating platform that generates electricity 24 hours a day from the temperature difference between the surface and the depths of the Atlantic, without relying on wind or sun.
The Ray-Ban Meta model, launched in Brazil in September 2025, has an LED light that indicates when recording is active. According to reports cited by g1, some creators try to damage or hide this LED to record without the person noticing.
Payment pranks become viral content
Among the most popular videos, creators hide contactless cards inside product packaging. At the supermarket checkout, they bring the item close to the card machine and capture the employees’ surprise.
Some creators reveal the prank and ask for authorization before publishing. Other videos, however, do not make it clear whether the person filmed consented to the exposure on social media.
Hidden LED may indicate intention to hide recording
According to Ronaldo Lemos, lawyer and director of ITS Rio, there are accessories and techniques that attempt to cover the light notification of the glasses. The use of these devices is also harder to notice than a recording made with a cellphone.
The smartphone needs to be taken out of the pocket and pointed at someone. Glasses, on the other hand, record images almost without apparent gesture, which increases the risk of undue exposure.
When someone bypasses a protection created by the manufacturer, they may assume an additional legal responsibility. Hiding the LED may indicate an intention to hide the recording.
Rights of those filmed without authorization
Those who appear in pranks without consent should gather evidence of the published content. Screenshots, links, the name of the responsible account, comments, and posting records can help in the complaint.
TikTok and Instagram have internal channels for cases of privacy and image rights violations. The victim can also send an extrajudicial notification and seek Justice to request removal and compensation.
According to experts, cases involving harassment, humiliation, bullying, stalking, or defamation may also justify a police report.
LGPD and Constitution protect image and privacy
The Federal Constitution protects the intimacy, private life, honor, and image of individuals. The Civil Code provides for compensation when these rights are violated.
The LGPD also considers the image as personal data, requiring a legal basis for use and disclosure. Moreover, STJ’s Summary 403 establishes presumed moral damage when the image is used without authorization for commercial purposes.
Companies begin to review usage rules
In 2025, MSC Cruises banned the use of smart glasses in common areas of its ships, such as pools. According to the company, the measure aims to protect the privacy and safety of guests and crew.
Meta states that their glasses have a recording LED and that users must comply with applicable laws. In Brazil, PL 19/2026 proposes to regulate the use, sale, and operation of smart glasses.
The future of privacy on networks
The discussion about smart glasses is still developing. Even so, the advancement of pranks shows that the technology is no longer just a novelty.
The debate now involves responsibility, consent, digital platforms, manufacturers, and content creators. After all, can a viral reaction justify exposing a person who never authorized appearing on networks?
Be the first to react!