Countries weigh banning smart glasses over privacy concerns
META•Governments, courts and companies are considering restrictions on smart glasses over concerns they could be used to record people or confidential materials without their knowledge. Measures include court and school bans, while Australia and Norway are considering broader restrictions.
1. Restrictions under review
Australia is considering barring camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces. Norway plans to propose a temporary ban on AI glasses in places where the public regularly gathers, and Oslo has banned them in schools.
2. Rules in courts and venues
Courts in England and Wales have prohibited Meta smart glasses, and British cinema operators are introducing policies to prohibit or restrict camera-enabled glasses. New York’s Unified Court System banned smart glasses from court facilities from July 20; visitors must hand over covered devices before entering.
3. European scrutiny
European privacy regulators and lawmakers are examining the technology. The European Data Protection Board commissioned a report on its “social acceptability,” while a member of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to consider possible action.
