A recent incident at a beach on Lake Garda illustrates the growing intersection between digital consumption habits and real-world harassment. Two women encountered three naked men who appeared to be part of a queer cruising spot, initially feeling safe in what they perceived as a sanctuary from heterosexual male attention. However, the atmosphere shifted when one man aggressively displayed his private parts while others used smartphones with small black lenses pointed directly at the women. Subsequent research on Google Maps reviews revealed that the location was also frequented by heterosexual men who secretly filmed and harassed women, confirming that the aggressive staring felt distinctly digital in nature.
This behavior reflects a broader trend where the unbridled gaze formed over decades on social media and pornography platforms is being transferred into analog life. Smartphones and simple sunglasses have become potential threats because it is rarely clear if an individual is being filmed or photographed. Behind screens and smart glasses, individuals can observe and consume others without justifying their own gaze, effectively claiming ownership of their environment. This dynamic is reinforced by recommendation algorithms on platforms like Instagram, which continue to serve sexualized content even after users indicate disinterest.
The technology facilitates the reproduction of popular pornography formats such as "Public Agent" or "Czech Streets," where men approach women on the street, often offering money for sex, and film them without their knowledge. These scripted encounters are designed to appear spontaneous through a Point of View (POV) perspective. A recent report in the German newspaper taz detailed how a young woman was approached by a pick-up artist and filmed unnoticed; the video was later uploaded online to generate clicks. Researchers from the University of Sydney analyzed 350 Instagram videos of this type from the last three years, finding that approximately 60 percent involved behavior classified as potential harassment, while in 43 percent of cases, women were subsequently demeaned or identified in the comments.
The possibility of being secretly filmed at any time alters behavior, particularly for women and those who do not conform to visual norms. Activities such as taking the subway, relaxing in a sauna, or jogging can become sources of anxiety due to the threat of private surveillance. Existing laws often fail to address this issue effectively because victims may not know they are being recorded, making enforcement difficult. Although Instagram announced plans in July to delete such content, journalists from 404 Media found dozens of these videos just one month later.
The situation shows no signs of improvement as companies like Meta promote a new surveillance aesthetic with significant budgets and celebrity endorsements, framing the permanent recording of one's surroundings as progressive and stylish. With smart glasses making secret filming easier than ever, everyday seeing is being industrialized. Women in public spaces, already subject to constant observation, are effectively performing unpaid "stare work" for platforms and the men behind cameras. As technology evolves, it remains uncertain whether a man at a beach is playing a game or secretly recording, leaving the future of privacy in public spaces ambiguous.
Sources: netzpolitik.org.