Norway’s government is considering a temporary ban on the use of smart glasses in certain public spaces to address the potential threats posed by these devices. The proposal aims to regulate the use of AI glasses in areas where privacy is crucial, such as healthcare facilities, fitness centers with changing rooms, and places where children gather, like schools and playgrounds. The ban could also extend to public events, parks, beaches, museums, and shopping centers.
The government emphasized that the temporary ban is not a total prohibition but rather a measure to assess which types of devices should be restricted and whether permanent regulations are necessary. Exceptions may be made for vulnerable groups to allow for socially beneficial uses of smart glasses in specific situations.
Privacy advocates have welcomed Norway’s initiative, highlighting concerns over privacy violations and the need to protect individuals’ rights. In contrast, efforts to limit the use of AI glasses in California faced obstacles, as the state’s governor recently vetoed legislation aimed at penalizing unauthorized recording in private spaces.
Meta, the company behind AI glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban, promotes privacy-respecting practices among users. Despite assurances from tech companies regarding privacy features like indicator lights signaling recording and automatic camera disablement if tampered with, some businesses, such as eyewear retailer Hans Anders in the Netherlands, have suspended sales of smart glasses due to privacy concerns.
In response to the growing debate on smart glasses, various organizations worldwide are implementing policies to regulate their usage. For instance, the UK Cinema Association has introduced measures to restrict the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses in cinemas to address privacy and piracy issues.