Hans Anders, a major optical chain in the Netherlands, has indefinitely stopped selling Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in its stores and online across the Netherlands and Belgium. The decision follows public and political debates about the use of smart glasses and the privacy conditions surrounding them, according to a spokesperson cited by Fashion Network. The glasses have been available in India since May 2025.
The move by Hans Anders comes after warnings from the Dutch data protection authority, Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens, which stated in September that sharing video footage of identifiable individuals recorded with smart glasses generally requires their permission. Additionally, the Dutch consumer group Consumentenbond sent Meta a summons letter on September 29, criticizing the glasses’ recording light as too subtle and easily concealable, demanding a redesign of the glasses and their default settings within two weeks.
In India, the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, was introduced in stages starting November 2025, but its substantive provisions on personal data processing will only take effect in May 2027. Since the launch of Ray-Ban Meta glasses in India, there have been two legal notices in Delhi concerning incidents involving the glasses, highlighting uncertainties about the rights of bystanders recorded without consent under current Indian law.
The Autoriteit Persoonsgegevens’ warning and the summons from Consumentenbond have led to increased scrutiny of smart glasses in Europe. Hans Anders’ decision to halt sales reflects growing concerns over privacy and regulatory compliance. The substantive provisions of India’s data protection law are scheduled to commence in May 2027, potentially clarifying legal protections for individuals recorded by such devices.