Norway to crack down on use of smart glasses

Norway is set to regulate the use of smart glasses and similar devices, with potential bans on features that enable facial recognition in public spaces, according to officials. Digitalisation Minister Karianne Tung expressed concern over privacy issues arising from new technologies and proposed stricter regulation of such devices.

Tung suggested the ban could include features like facial recognition, which she believes could infringe on individuals' private lives. She also plans to form an expert group to advise on protecting consumers from these emerging technologies, urging both public and private sectors to consider their own guidelines. The trend of integrating artificial intelligence with devices like glasses, earbuds, and caps is evident, and Tung emphasized the need to prevent misuse of such equipment to monitor others in public spaces.

Finn Lutzow-Holm Myrstad, head of digital policy at the Norwegian Consumer Council, welcomed the government's move and called on retailers to halt sales of smart glasses until there is legal clarity. Meta has reportedly developed a facial recognition feature for its smart glasses, and Myrstad warned that a ban on these features would not stop wearers from covertly filming people.