Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Countries Weigh Smart Glasses Restrictions Over Privacy Concerns
Smart glasses can take pictures, record videos, or capture sound.
Some people worry they could be used to record others without permission.
Governments, courts, and businesses are considering rules to protect privacy.
Australia is considering restricting them in government workplaces.
Courts in England and Wales do not allow Meta smart glasses, and some UK cinemas are limiting them.
European officials are studying concerns about the glasses.
Norway plans to propose a temporary ban in places where people gather, and Oslo has banned them in schools.
New York courts do not allow recording-capable glasses inside their facilities.
Australia is considering prohibiting camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces over privacy and security concerns.
Courts in England and Wales prohibit Meta smart glasses, while UK cinemas are introducing restrictions.
European privacy regulators are examining smart glasses, and a European Parliament member urged the European Commission to consider action.
Norway plans to propose a temporary ban on AI glasses in places where the public regularly gathers; Oslo has already banned them in schools.
New York’s Unified Court System has banned recording-capable smart glasses from court facilities since July 20.
- Who
- Governments, courts, privacy regulators, and cinema operators in Australia, Britain, the European Union, Norway, and the United States.
- What
- They are considering, studying, or enforcing restrictions on camera- and recording-capable smart glasses.
- When
- The Reuters report was dated October 6; measures and announcements mentioned include actions in July, August, and September.
- Where
- Australia, England and Wales, the European Union, Norway, Oslo, and New York.
- Why
- Concerns that smart glasses could record people or confidential material without their knowledge, raising privacy and security issues.
- Australia
- The federal government said in September it was considering a ban in government workplaces; Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher requested advice.
- England and Wales
- Courts have prohibited the use of Meta smart glasses under restrictions on taking images and videos in court.
- UK cinemas
- Cinema operators were introducing policies to prohibit or restrict camera-enabled smart glasses, according to the UK Cinema Association in August.
- European Union
- The European Data Protection Board commissioned a report on the glasses’ “social acceptability.”
- Norway
- The government said it planned to propose a temporary ban in places where the public regularly gathers.
- Oslo
- The capital banned smart glasses in schools in August.
- New York
- The Unified Court System’s ban on recording-capable eyewear or headwear in court facilities took effect July 20; visitors must hand such items to court personnel.