Nearby Glasses: A Privacy-Focused App to Detect Smart Glasses Nearby

The rise of smart glasses has sparked both excitement and concern among privacy advocates. While these devices offer innovative features, they also raise questions about consent and surveillance. Enter Nearby Glasses, a new Android app designed to detect smart glasses in your vicinity and alert you to their presence.

The Problem: Smart Glasses and Privacy

Smart glasses, such as Meta's Ray-Ban Stories and Snap's Spectacles, have become increasingly popular. These devices often feature built-in cameras and microphones, allowing users to capture photos and videos discreetly. However, this capability has raised concerns about privacy and consent.

The app's creator, Yves Jeanrenaud, explains his motivation: "I consider smart glasses an intolerable intrusion, consent neglecting, horrible piece of tech that is already used for making various and tons of equally truly disgusting 'content'."

How Nearby Glasses Works

Nearby Glasses uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signals to detect smart glasses nearby. Here's how it works:

1. Manufacturer Identification: The app scans for BLE devices and identifies them using company IDs assigned by the Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG).

2. Signal Strength Analysis: It analyzes the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) to determine the proximity of the detected device.

3. Alert System: When a device matching the criteria is found, the app sends a notification to the user.

Technical Details

The app currently recognizes three manufacturers:

• Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook): 0x01AB
• Meta Platforms Technologies, LLC: 0x058E
• Luxottica Group S.p.A (who manufactures the Meta Ray-Bans): 0x0D53
• Snapchat, Inc. (makers of SNAP Spectacles): 0x03C2

These IDs are immutable and mandatory, making them reliable indicators of smart glasses from these manufacturers.

Limitations and False Positives

It's important to note that Nearby Glasses is not foolproof. The app may produce false positives, as other Bluetooth devices from the same manufacturers (like VR headsets) could trigger alerts. Additionally, the app might miss some smart glasses if they're not actively broadcasting their presence.

Jeanrenaud acknowledges these limitations: "I am no pro developer. However, this app is free and its source is available... you may review the code, change it and re-use it (under the license)."

Privacy and Data Collection

One of the key features of Nearby Glasses is its commitment to user privacy. The app does not store any personal information or collect data about users. It also doesn't include ads or telemetry.

However, if you download the app from the Google Play Store, Google may collect some data as part of its standard practices.

How to Use Nearby Glasses

1. Download the app from the Releases page or Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and grant necessary permissions.
3. Tap "Start Scanning" to begin detecting nearby devices.
4. When smart glasses are detected, you'll receive a notification.

Future Developments

The app is still in its early stages, and Jeanrenaud has several plans for future improvements:

• Adding more manufacturer IDs
• Implementing an iOS version
• Reworking the scanner logic to use a "canary mode" approach
• Adding an option to ignore false positives

Ethical Considerations

While the app aims to protect privacy, Jeanrenaud includes a strong warning: "⚠ WARNING! ⚠ HARASSING someone because you think they are wearing a covert surveillance device can be a criminal offence."

He emphasizes that the app should be used responsibly and that detected devices might not always be smart glasses.

Conclusion

Nearby Glasses represents an interesting approach to addressing privacy concerns in the age of smart devices. While it's not perfect, it offers a tool for those who want to be aware of potential surveillance devices in their vicinity.

As smart glasses become more prevalent, tools like Nearby Glasses may play an important role in balancing technological innovation with privacy rights. However, it's crucial to use such tools responsibly and to respect the privacy and rights of others.

For those interested in the technical aspects or wanting to contribute, the source code is available on GitHub. The app is licensed under the PolyForm Noncommercial License 1.0.0, allowing for review, modification, and reuse under certain conditions.