3 weeks ago
UK Venues Ban Meta Smart Glasses Over Privacy Concerns
Some places in the UK, like restaurants, pubs and theatres, have said people cannot wear a new type of smart glasses inside.
These glasses are made by a company called Meta and have a small camera built into them.
The people who run the venues are worried that the glasses could take photos or videos without permission.
They want to protect their customers and workers from being recorded in secret.
The glasses cost £359, which is quite expensive.
Meta asked a famous celebrity named Kylie Jenner to help advertise them.
A well-known restaurant owner named Jeremy King said guests should not wear the glasses in his restaurants.
He said he would never allow anyone's privacy to be invaded in his venues.
This has started a bigger talk about new technology and keeping people's privacy safe.
UK restaurants, pubs and theatres are banning Meta's AI-powered smart glasses over privacy concerns.
The glasses, priced at £359, feature built-in camera and recording capabilities.
Meta promoted the device with the help of celebrity Kylie Jenner, hoping for mainstream acceptance.
Restaurateur Jeremy King banned them at his London venues, including Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington and The Park.
Venue operators argue patrons and staff should be protected from unauthorised recording.
- Who
- Venue operators across the UK, including restaurateur Jeremy King, and Meta, the maker of the glasses.
- What
- A growing number of UK venues are banning Meta's AI-powered smart glasses over privacy concerns.
- Where
- United Kingdom, including London venues such as Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington and The Park.
- When
- Not specified in the articles.
- Why
- Concerns that the devices' built-in cameras and recording capabilities could compromise the privacy of customers and employees.
Privacy advocates
Tech innovation supporters
Wearable cameras in venues
Privacy advocates
Venues should ban recording-enabled smart glasses to protect customers and staff from unauthorised recording and invasion of privacy.
Tech innovation supporters
Smart glasses are innovative AI-enabled devices that Meta hopes will gain mainstream acceptance, similar to smartwatches and tablets, and should be balanced against privacy rights.
Key facts
- Device
- Meta AI-powered smart glasses
- Price
- £359
- Banned in
- UK restaurants, pubs and theatres
- Celebrity promoter
- Kylie Jenner
- Key opponent
- Restaurateur Jeremy King
- Affected venues
- Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington, The Park (London)
- Reason for ban
- Built-in camera and recording capabilities raise privacy concerns
Quotes
Jeremy King, restaurateur and owner of Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington and The Park
Owner of several high‑profile London restaurants
“I would never knowingly allow any invasion of guest privacy other than with the eyes we were born with.”
deccanchronicle.com











