Privacy concerns put smart glasses under scrutiny as Norway seeks temporary ban

Privacy concerns have cast a spotlight on smart glasses, as Norway seeks to impose a temporary ban on their use in certain public spaces. The government's proposal, to be presented to parliament, aims to strike a balance between the potential benefits of artificial intelligence-powered glasses and the privacy risks they pose. Norwegian authorities argue that such a ban could apply to locations where privacy is paramount, including healthcare facilities, fitness centers with changing rooms and showers, and places frequented by children like schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and youth clubs.

Public events, parks, beaches, museums and shopping centers could also fall under the temporary restriction. The government clarifies that the ban would not be absolute and would allow the continued use of smart glasses for private purposes and in circumstances deemed socially beneficial. Tech advocacy group Privacy International welcomes Norway's move, emphasizing the need to protect individuals' privacy and rights.

Meanwhile, California's governor recently vetoed a bill that would have penalized recording people without their consent using smart glasses in private spaces. Despite the controversy, Meta, the company behind the glasses, encourages responsible use and has built-in mechanisms to prevent unauthorized recording. However, some retailers and organizations have already distanced themselves from the technology, highlighting the broader societal debate surrounding AI glasses and privacy.