Norway to crack down on use of smart glasses

The Norwegian government plans to introduce stricter regulations on the use of smart glasses and similar devices, with a potential ban on features enabling facial recognition in public spaces. These smart glasses offer a range of functionalities, including taking photos and videos, listening to music, making phone calls, translating foreign signs, projecting text or maps, and interacting with an AI assistant.

Digitalisation Minister Karianne Tung expressed concern that such technology is encroaching on individuals' private lives and privacy, prompting her to advocate for more stringent regulation than currently exists. To address this issue, Tung intends to form an expert group to advise the government on consumer protection measures and calls for industry guidelines.

Tung emphasized the growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones in everyday items like glasses, earbuds, and caps. She stressed the importance of preventing these devices from being used to monitor individuals in public areas. The Norwegian Consumer Council's digital policy head, Finn Lutzow-Holm Myrstad, welcomed the government's proposed measures and urged retailers to halt sales of smart glasses until legal clarity is achieved.

Myrstad warned that a ban on facial recognition features would not stop users from secretly filming others using these devices.