Fears that the growing popularity of smartglasses is leading to “pervasive secret surveillance” has prompted the Federal Government to order an investigation into the technology. Privacy experts sounded the alarm this week after a low-cost version of the glasses, which can take photographs and record vision and audio, sold out nationally. National group Digital Rights Watch described the technology as a “covert surveillance regime in a wearable disguise”, placing women and children in particular at risk. “Unlike other forms of technology, smartglasses may be used more discreetly, making it harder to know when you are being recorded,” she said. When someone uses a phone to record you, they’re visible; you can ask the person to stop,” he said.