Securing Privacy: A Guide to Detecting Smart Glasses and Covert Recording
The evolution of wearable technology has created a new, silent threat to privacy and corporate security. According to recent technical analysis, smart glasses—like the latest Meta-powered Ray-Bans—are becoming so discreet that they are virtually indistinguishable from standard eyewear.
For high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, and those in the public eye, these devices represent a significant security vulnerability. At Conflict International, we integrate technical awareness into our Close Protection and Counter Surveillance protocols to ensure our clients aren't being recorded without their knowledge.
How to Spot the "Smart" in the Glasses
Modern smart glasses can capture 3K video and high-resolution stills with a simple tap or voice command. To the untrained eye, they look like high-street fashion. To a security professional, there are several "tells":
1. The Glossy End Piece
Most smart glasses house their lenses in the "end pieces"—the outer corners of the frames near the hinges.
- The Clue: Look for a small, circular, glossy black embellishment. While traditional glasses use these for style (chrome ovals or diamonds), smart glasses use them to hide shrunken camera lenses.
2. The "Modified" Recording Light
Manufacturers like Meta include a small LED to alert people when recording is active. However, this is the easiest security feature to bypass.
- The Security Risk: Aftermarket "stealth stickers" are widely available to black out these LEDs. You cannot rely on a "light" to tell you if a camera is live.
3. Bulk and Texture
Cheaper, non-branded spy glasses often have a telltale "pinhole" in the bridge of the nose. Even without a hole, look for frames that appear unusually thick at the temples (where the battery and processor are stored) or have a slightly different texture compared to the rest of the frame.
The Professional Response: Counter Surveillance & Close Protection
When privacy is not a luxury but a requirement, "looking closely" is not enough. Conflict International provides a multi-layered defence against covert recording:
1. Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM)
If you are holding high-level meetings or hosting private events, our TSCM (Bug Sweeping) teams use advanced signal detection to identify active transmissions. Smart glasses often use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to stream or upload data; we can detect and neutralise these signals in real-time.
2. Close Protection Intelligence
Our Close Protection operatives are trained to scan crowds and inner circles for more than just physical threats. They are briefed on the latest wearable tech "red flags." This proactive surveillance ensures that an individual attempting to "harvest" your likeness or conversation is identified and managed before a breach occurs.
3. Behavioural Analysis
Scammers and "clout-chasers" using smart glasses often exhibit specific behaviours: keeping their head perfectly still while looking at a target or adjusting the frame frequently. Our teams are trained to spot these non-verbal cues.
Safeguarding Your Image in a Transparent World
In 2026, the "game has changed." Privacy breaches no longer require a bulky camera; they require only a pair of glasses. Whether it’s a social setting or a boardroom, the ability to record secretly is now a retail commodity.
Are you concerned about covert recording or require high-level protection for your next event? Explore our TSCM Services or contact Conflict International today for an expert consultation on Close Protection and Counter Surveillance.