Australian privacy watchdog probes Chinese firm over smart glasses

smart glasses privacy Shenzhen Qingcheng HeyCyan app Australian Information Commission Anko smart glasses

The Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has launched an investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology Co. Ltd, the Chinese software developer behind the HeyCyan app. The app powers low-cost smart glasses sold by retailers including Kmart, Big W Marketplace, and Amazon.

The probe follows concerns regarding how the devices record, access, and store personal information. Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind initiated the investigation after the company failed to respond to preliminary inquiries, stating there was “no assurance” that the firm was protecting the data of Australians as required by the Privacy Act.

The investigation was prompted by requests from Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to examine the privacy implications of wearable technology, particularly the risk of covert filming. In response to public backlash and a petition with over 55,000 signatures, Kmart has removed its $89 Anko-branded camera glasses from its online store.

Entities

Carly Kind · Kmart · Michelle Rowland · Office of the Australian Information Commissioner · Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology Co. Ltd

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation aims to clarify how the glasses record information, who has access to it, and where the data is stored. www.perthnow.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Shenzhen Qingcheng failed to respond to preliminary inquiries from the Australian privacy regulator. www.perthnow.com.au · www.smartcompany.com.au · www.theage.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] Kmart has removed its $89 Anko-branded smart glasses from online sale. www.theage.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] The OAIC has launched an investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology Co. Ltd regarding the HeyCyan app used in smart glasses. www.perthnow.com.au · www.smartcompany.com.au · www.theage.com.au
[● 2 SOURCES] A GetUp petition calling for restrictions on the glasses gathered over 55,000 signatures. www.ghanamma.com · www.theage.com.au