Regulating Smart Glasses and AI Wearables to Prevent Covert Recording and Unconsented Data Collection
Ministry of Digital Development and InformationSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns whether new regulations will be introduced for smart glasses and AI wearables to prevent covert recording and unconsented data collection. Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song enquired about visual indicator requirements and protections against mass biometric data gathering. Minister for Digital Development and Information Josephine Teo replied that the Personal Data Protection Act applies to data collection regardless of device form factor, holding organisations and commercial creators accountable. While public recording generally does not require consent, misuse of private content remains criminal under the Penal Code and Protection from Harassment Act. Finally, the Minister noted that content creators are also held accountable for harms under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act.
Transcript
33 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information (a) whether the Ministry will introduce new regulations for visual indicator requirements for smart glasses to prevent surreptitious recording in public spaces; and (b) how the Ministry ensures that AI-enabled wearable devices used by individuals do not facilitate the mass collection of biometric or environmental data without the explicit consent of non-users in the vicinity.
Mrs Josephine Teo: Under the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), organisations, including individuals creating content for commercial purposes, are accountable for how personal data is collected and used. The taking of photographs or making of video or audio recordings is subject to the same rules and principles regardless of the form factor of the device.
While the PDPA generally does not require consent to be sought from persons for photography or recording in public spaces, organisations must ensure that any subsequent use or disclosure of the personal data, including for artificial intelligence features, is for a reasonable purpose and complies with any other applicable laws.
Regardless of the capacity they are acting in, individuals should also note that non-consensual recording, sharing or other misuse of intimate or private content may constitute criminal offences under existing laws, including the Penal Code and the Protection from Harassment Act. Under the Online Safety (Relief and Accountability) Act, creators of online content may also be held accountable for harms caused to victims.