Governments and courts worldwide are exploring regulations on smart glasses due to privacy concerns related to potential unauthorized recording capabilities of the devices, notably those popularized by Meta’s Ray-Bans. These smart glasses pose risks of capturing images, videos, or audio without the subject’s consent.
In Australia, the federal government stated in September that it is considering banning the use of camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces. Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher has requested advice from the Public Service Commission on possible restrictions and necessary exemptions.
In Britain, legal restrictions have emerged, with courts in England and Wales prohibiting the use of Meta smart glasses due to regulations against recording images and videos within court settings. Additionally, cinema operators in the UK have begun implementing policies to restrict or ban camera-enabled smart glasses, driven by piracy concerns, according to the UK Cinema Association.
The issue has also gained attention in the European Union, where privacy regulators and lawmakers are scrutinizing smart glasses. The European Data Protection Board has commissioned a report to assess the “social acceptability” of the devices. Member of the European Parliament Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová has called for the European Commission to consider action, though no specific legislation targeting smart glasses has been proposed yet.
In Norway, the government announced plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of smart glasses in public places such as parks, beaches, and museums. Oslo had already implemented a ban on smart glasses in schools as of August.
In the United States, New York’s Unified Court System has banned smart glasses from its court facilities since July 20. This ban includes all eyewear or headwear equipped with cameras, microphones, or other technology capable of recording, requiring visitors to surrender these devices to court personnel before entering the premises.
As privacy concerns continue to mount over the functionality of smart glasses, countries worldwide remain engaged in discussions surrounding their potential restrictions.
