UK cinemas look at banning Meta smart glasses over piracy fears

UK cinema trade body UKCA is advising local chains to consider banning customers from wearing Meta's smart glasses due to piracy concerns. The £359 smart glasses, nicknamed "pervert glasses" and "spyware," are facing backlash and being banned in various venues, including restaurants, theatres, pubs, and courtrooms. UKCA states that while cinema operators are aware of the benefits of AI-enabled tech for accessibility issues, they are also concerned about privacy and piracy issues.

Meta claims that a flashing LED light on the glasses alerts users when filming, and the glasses have tamper-detection technology to prevent light covering. However, there have been complaints of people being videoed without consent, raising piracy concerns for cinemas. Several large UK chains, like ATG Theatres and Wetherspoons, have already adopted a strict stance against the glasses, citing concerns about surreptitious surveillance.

Meta spokesperson maintains that their glasses provide valuable technology for people with visual impairments or hearing loss, and limiting their use would be a step backwards.