Meta smart glasses ban trend is catching steam in the US, and an NY nightclub just set the ball rolling

Meta’s smart glasses are now prohibited from entrance at New York City's Basement nightclub. The restriction stems from the venue's existing policy against capturing photos and videos without permission, and stems from users' discomfort with being filmed without realizing it. Basement's policy states that anyone bringing smart glasses into the club will face immediate ejection, and could be banned permanently.

This marks the first known case of such a ban in the US, but similar restrictions have already been implemented in various UK establishments like restaurants, theaters, and pubs. Some businesses, including Soho House and Wetherspoons, have also banned smart glasses for similar reasons. Meta's smart glasses do have a visible recording light and mechanisms to disable the camera when the indicator is covered, but these measures appear insufficient for many business owners.

Even an iPhone app designed to detect smart glasses is garnering significant attention, suggesting widespread public unease with the technology. Business owners fear that customers could become uncomfortable and choose to avoid establishments where they believe they might be unknowingly recorded. While Basement's ban is currently limited to one nightclub, the trend could easily spread if more establishments deem smart glasses to be a privacy risk for patrons.