MDDI's Response to PQ on Regulating Use of Smart Glasses and Wearable Recording Devices with Mandatory Recording Indicators to Prevent Surreptitious Recording in Public Spaces

Parliament Sitting on 6 October 2026

Question for Written Answer

36. Dr Neo Kok Beng asked the Minister for Digital Development and Information in view of the ongoing Police investigations into a video of a man allegedly trailing female students while wearing smart glasses, whether the Ministry will reconsider new regulations requiring such wearable devices to be equipped with mandatory visual or sound indicators to alert the public and to prevent surreptitious recording in public spaces.

Answer

As Police investigations are ongoing, the Government is unable to comment on the specific case. As set out in my reply to Mr Gerald Giam on 6 May 2026, 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.

The Government continues to monitor regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions, and will review our regulatory frameworks as technologies, risks and safeguards evolve.