In many ways, the spectacles are just a hipper version of Google Glass, although obviously with much fewer functions. But that being said, Snapchat Spectacles still have a camera with which you can film other people and whose image will then end up on the app provider’s server. And this is exactly what was sharply criticized about Google Glass.
This has led to there being some criticism also leveled at the Snapchat sunglasses and its impact on individuals’ privacy. Snap Inc. themselves have actually addressed the issue on their website stating “Our Community Guidelines have always said to be thoughtful and respect people’s privacy, and these ideals apply equally when you’re using Spectacles. Please be respectful and considerate of others.” While the LED lights around the camera light up to indicate that the camera is recording, there are many that say that this is not enough, as other people still may not have a choice whether they wish to be filmed or not.
A poll carried out by YouGov in September 2016 found that 47% of people (55% of women and 39% of men) said that they would feel uncomfortable around a stranger wearing Snapchat Spectacles, while over 35% (40% of women and 31% of men) would be uncomfortable around a friend wearing them. This gives us an idea of what the public perception of these glasses is. While the growing popularity of the sunglasses may lead to a normalization of them and wider acceptance, there is no guarantee of this. It remains to be seen what the fate of Snapchat Spectacles will be. Watch this space.