Factbox-Countries weigh banning smart glasses over privacy concerns

Governments, courts, and companies are exploring restrictions and reviewing existing rules surrounding smart glasses due to privacy concerns. The technology, popularized by Meta's Ray-Bans, could potentially be used to capture images, videos, or audio recordings of people or confidential materials without their consent. Countries and regions are taking various steps to safeguard privacy rights, listed below in alphabetical order.

In Australia, the federal government is contemplating a ban on camera-equipped smart glasses in government workplaces due to privacy and security concerns. Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher has sought advice from the Public Service Commission on potential prohibition and necessary exemptions. Similarly, British courts have prohibited the use of Meta smart glasses within their premises, citing restrictions on image and video recording.

Additionally, British cinema operators are drafting policies to prohibit or limit camera-enabled smart glasses in theaters.

European privacy regulators and lawmakers have expressed concerns over smart glasses, prompting the European Data Protection Board to commission a report on their social acceptability. The European Commission, while not proposing specific legislation, is reportedly considering potential action in response to these concerns. Furthermore, Parliament member Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová has urged the Commission to examine possible measures.

In Norway, Oslo recently banned smart glasses in schools, effective from August. The New York Unified Court System also prohibits the use of smart glasses in all its court facilities since July 20, covering both prescription and non-prescription eyewear containing cameras, microphones, computers, or other recording devices. Visitors found with such devices must surrender them to court personnel for safekeeping before entering the premises.