Meta met Information Regulator over its camera glasses

Norway has temporarily banned the use of Meta glasses in public spaces such as parks, schools, and beaches. The government is considering permanent regulation following further investigation. The ban does not affect the sale of Meta glasses and only applies to their use in specific areas, including changing rooms and beaches. Norway's Minister of Digitalization expressed concern about the potential for unauthorized photo, video, or audio recording in places where children are present, such as schools and daycares.

Meta's Chief Technology Officer stated that only a few "bad actors" are responsible for disabling the glasses' LED indicator lights, leading to the nickname "pervert glasses." Meta recently rolled out a software update that disables the camera if the light is covered or tampered with. Norway will form an expert group to investigate the challenges posed by wearable technology and provide advice on permanent regulation.

This ban comes after similar debates in other European countries, including the Netherlands and Belgium, where retailers have paused sales of Meta glasses. Meta representatives said the ban will not affect the popularity of their glasses for listening to music, making calls, or obtaining live translations.