Kmart pulls camera glasses from shelves amid privacy backlash

Kmart has finally removed its $89 smart glasses, following months-long backlash about privacy concerns.

A petition launched by advocacy group GetUp and activist Gina Martin received over 55,000 signatures demanding that the retailer remove the Anko-branded glasses from shelves and online.

A federal investigation into the tech company behind the product - the app the glasses rely on to function - has also been launched.

The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) has launched a formal investigation into Shenzhen Qingcheng Future Technology Co. Ltd, the Chinese developer of the HeyCyan software used in Kmart's smart glasses.

Earlier this year, OAIC made preliminary inquiries, asking the company to clarify how the wearable cameras record information, who has access to the footage, and where user data is stored. Shenzhen Qingcheng did not respond.

“In the absence of any response from Shenzhen Qingcheng to the OAIC’s preliminary inquiries, I have no assurance that it is protecting the personal data of Australians as required by the Privacy Act,” Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said on Wednesday.

She added, “Given the particular risks the OAIC has identified with the HeyCyan app, I would urge responsible retailers to consider whether it is appropriate to continue making these devices available."

In August, tech editor and expert Trevor Long told Mediaweek the privacy risk was real, but not unique to smart glasses.