The Australian privacy regulator has officially opened an investigation into the China-based software company responsible for the HeyCyan app. This application powers the Anko-branded smartglasses sold by Kmart, which gained significant public attention in August due to their ability to record high-definition video and capture images discreetly.

The investigation follows a period of public backlash, during which the devices were colloquially dubbed "pervert glasses" by critics concerned about the potential for non-consensual recording in public spaces. The controversy prompted a petition organized by the advocacy group GetUp, which has garnered over 55,000 signatures. The petition calls for the Australian government to implement stricter regulations or outright bans on the use of such wearable recording technology to protect public privacy.

While the devices are marketed as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end smartglasses, such as those produced by Meta, their accessibility has raised questions about the adequacy of current privacy laws. The regulator's probe will examine the data handling practices of the software developer to determine if there have been breaches of Australian privacy standards. As of now, the investigation is in its early stages, and the developer has not yet publicly addressed the specific allegations regarding the app's functionality or data security protocols.