Wetherspoons bars smart glasses from filming customers

Wetherspoons has decided not to outright ban Meta-style smart glasses from its pubs, but has urged customers to disable the cameras and refrain from filming. The company has CCTV for security, but its use is strictly governed by data laws. Wetherspoons considers Meta glasses to breach the general rule that filming customers or employees without permission is not allowed.

The glasses could enable surreptitious surveillance, similar to the issue with audible videos in pubs. If customers refuse to switch off the cameras, Wetherspoons may call security. This policy is less strict than outright bans imposed by other venues due to privacy concerns. Meta glasses have become a symbol for camera-equipped eyewear, with major tech companies developing their own versions.

Despite their small cameras, the glasses have raised privacy concerns, with researchers showing they can be used to dox individuals. UK law allows filming in public, but pubs can set their own rules. Wearing smart glasses makes recording less noticeable, making enforcement more difficult.