Norway weighs tighter controls on camera smart glasses

Norway is mulling tighter regulations for camera-equipped smart glasses and other artificial intelligence wearables, considering a potential ban on facial recognition in public spaces due to privacy concerns. Digitalisation and Public Governance Minister Karianne Tung stated that as cameras, microphones and AI systems become integrated into everyday objects, private life and data protection are increasingly at risk.

The government plans to establish an expert group to propose regulations, which will then be subject to consultation. Tung emphasized the need to prevent misuse of such equipment to monitor individuals in public places. The proposal does not yet involve a complete ban on the sale or ownership of smart glasses. The government's primary concern lies in establishing stronger safeguards to govern how these camera-enabled devices are used, where they may film individuals without their knowledge, and the identification of people without their consent.

Smart glasses, such as those sold by companies like Meta, merge conventional eyewear with cameras, microphones, internet connectivity, and software capable of voice commands and AI services. These devices offer features like photo and video capture, calls, audio playback, information delivery, and interaction with digital assistants, while remaining inconspicuous and potentially allowing covert filming.

Critics have labelled these devices as "pervert glasses" due to their covert filming capabilities. Tung noted the growing trend of combining AI with cameras and microphones in various wearable devices, underscoring the need for authorities to ensure wearable technology doesn't become a surveillance tool. The planned expert panel will swiftly examine regulatory options for smart glasses, earphones, and other devices with camera and AI capabilities, after which proposed rules will be subject to a consultation process.

This development follows calls from Norway's Data Protection Authority and Consumer Council for stronger safeguards as smart glasses become more capable and less conspicuous. The Data Protection Authority has highlighted the need for stronger safeguards, while the Consumer Council has argued for additional protection against misuse of smart glasses.

Norway's existing data-protection rules already require organizations conducting surveillance to establish a lawful purpose, limit the collection and use of recordings, provide information, and protect stored material. The issue of AI-powered glasses has also been raised in Norway's parliament, with lawmakers questioning the government's approach to AI glasses that can record sound and images, analyze individuals in real time, and potentially enable biometric identification without consent.