Discount retailer Kmart has removed its $89 Anko smart glasses from its website in the wake of public backlash and a formal probe launched by the OAIC into its partner software.
What happened
These glasses offer built-in cameras that have prompted privacy concerns. Kmart’s introduction of them followed technology giant Meta’s announcement of its AI smart glasses, which can cost more than $650.
Why it matters
HeyCyan, the partner application for the smart glasses, is manufactured by Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology. This was the centre of the OAIC’s probe.
“In the absence of any response from Shenzhen Qingcheng to the OAIC’s preliminary inquiries, I have no assurance that it is protecting personal data of Australians as required by the Privacy Act,” said privacy commissioner Carly Kind.
“The failure of Shenzhen Qingcheng to respond to the OAIC’s inquiries raises concerns about the entity’s practices, procedures and systems to protect the personal information it holds.”
This news brief is based on reporting published by InternetRetailing Australia on 2026-10-08. The original report is linked below.
InternetRetailing Australia
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