I think one of my favorite devices that is currently in circulation is those glasses that have cameras built into them. They’re linked to our phones, and through a special app, you can take pictures and make videos with them. With built-in batteries, you can wear it everywhere you go, recording everything you see. And it’s totally hands-free and inconspicuous because you don’t have to hold your phone up all the time.
It’s good for taking pictures and making videos in places where you’re with people who won’t like that. They’re clear as day and also have built-in microphones that record the voices of those being recorded. It’s a total tool that many people use these days. Especially here in Nigeria.
This form of glasses has become a favorite for people, especially motorists, and it’s for one issue: harassment. It could be from the Police or from other law enforcement. It’s no news that even when you have all your papers complete, these guys can still extort money from you. For no reason at all. And many times, they take the law into their hands and physically attack the citizens who try to fight for their rights.
And as is often the case with such issues, no face, no case. With no evidence backing the victim’s claims, nothing will be done. But with video evidence and social media, many people have been able to get justice from the harassment that they’ve faced. It’s not always effective, but it’s always a good idea and always a good form of protection because many of them are getting smart. Once they see you with any form of camera, they’d first pause and think about how they’re approaching you.
It doesn’t just stop with the glasses, though. There’s also the dashcam to be considered. This isn’t very popular in Nigeria because people have not really seen the need for it. But it’s very important. In developed countries, people get it for insurance purposes, and it’s usually always helpful in the event of a crime.
However, in Nigeria, it can also be good for insurance purposes. And anti-harassment as well. I even know someone who has a dashcam both in front of his car and at the back. Giving himself 360 coverage of his vehicle. He bought the camera glasses and swapped out the lens for the lens medically recommended for his type of eyesight. And they’re always recording. As long as he’s on the road, he’s always recording.
I think what makes them so beautiful is the fact that it’s cloud-based. So you can’t be bullied or intimidated into deleting the videos right on the spot. This can be useful to buy yourself some wiggle room.
Sadly, as beneficial as this tool is, it’s not without its troubles. The fact that it’s hands-free and inconspicuous is also a major disadvantage. Because many perverts can use it to record people in their private moments. For people who don’t know that it’s a camera, they may get too free, not knowing that they’re getting recorded. It’ll be a gross breach of privacy, but then, that has never stopped people from invading it, has it?
Well, it is what it is. So many things are happening. I just hope that with time, we’ll become even more conversant with these technologies and employ them for our own good and protection. This is very important.
