Norway Proposes Temporary Ban on Smart Glasses in Public Spaces
The proposal covers parks, beaches, schools, gyms and public events, while private use at home would remain allowed.
Norway has proposed a temporary ban on camera-enabled and AI-powered smart glasses in selected public spaces, according to Ars Technica. The measure would apply in parks, beaches, museums, schools, kindergartens, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, gyms and public events. Private use of smart glasses, such as inside wearers' homes, would still be permitted.
The Norwegian government plans to introduce permanent legislation after the temporary ban and will enlist an expert group to draft it. The country's Labour party needs opposition support to pass the bill, as it lacks a parliamentary majority.
Retail and government pushback elsewhere
This week, Dutch eyewear retailer Hans Anders pulled Meta Ray-Ban glasses from over 400 stores. The Australian government announced that smart glasses will be prohibited in federal workspaces, service centers and local council buildings, while the City of Sydney and four other local councils vowed to ban them from public pools, gyms, childcare centers and libraries.
In the UK, pub chain Wetherspoons and some restaurants have introduced individual restrictions on smart glasses. Previously, Meta rolled out an update introducing a tool that stops smart glasses from recording video when the LED is blocked.
Quick answers
Where would Norway's proposed smart glasses ban apply?
The temporary ban would apply in parks, beaches, museums, schools, kindergartens, shopping centers, healthcare facilities, gyms and public events. Private use at home would still be allowed.
Is smart glasses use at home still allowed under Norway's proposal?
Yes, private use of smart glasses, such as in wearers' homes, would remain permitted.
Which retailer recently pulled Meta Ray-Ban glasses from its stores?
Dutch eyewear retailer Hans Anders pulled Meta Ray-Ban glasses from over 400 stores this week.