Meta Smart Glasses Could Be Banned in Pakistan

The Lahore High Court recently issued notices to the federal government, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA), and other relevant authorities in response to a public interest petition. The petition was filed by citizen Husnainul Abideen, represented by Advocate Shahram Saqi, challenging the unregulated import and sale of smart glasses featuring cameras and microphones.

These devices, such as the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, resemble regular eyewear but can capture images, record videos, and live-stream the wearer's surroundings without drawing attention to the activity. The petitioner argued that these capabilities set smart glasses apart from ordinary smartphones, raising concerns about liberty, dignity, and privacy under Articles 9 and 14 of the Pakistani Constitution.

While Meta does not officially recognize Pakistan as a market for the glasses, they are still accessible through online vendors and physical stores in Lahore. The petitioner's counsel highlighted similar concerns raised by regulators in Ireland, Italy, Germany, as well as restrictions on the use of smart glasses in courts in England and Wales, and New York.

The court's petition called for a declaration that the unrestricted use of camera-equipped smart glasses violates constitutional protections and sought various directions, including halting their imports, reviewing PTA approvals, preventing their use in sensitive locations like courts, airports, and government offices, and stopping customs clearance of relevant shipments.

The court also asked cybercrime authorities to report any complaints involving these devices. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum issued notices to the respondents and set a deadline of October 8 for their responses.