HTC executive argues AI glasses need privacy-first design

AI smart glasses are gaining ground, but their impact will depend on how manufacturers handle privacy, argues Thomas Dexmier of HTC in an article for TechRadar.

Omdia research cited in the article found that global shipments of AI glasses reached 8.7 million units in 2025, a 322% year-on-year increase. Dexmier points to potential uses in businesses and cultural venues, where glasses could provide real-time information tailored to visitors. He also recounts using them to translate signs at Rotterdam train station.

Dexmier says privacy should be built into the products. He argues that data should stay on the glasses by default and leave the device only at the user’s request. He also calls for local data to be protected with encryption and for requests to third-party AI services to be de-identified. He says user data should not be used to train language models.

For people near the wearer, Dexmier supports visible indicators during photo or video recording. He says recording should stop automatically if the indicator is obstructed or the glasses are removed. These are recommendations in Dexmier’s article; the source does not establish that all AI glasses currently follow these practices.