{
  "id": 2380208,
  "title": "Now movie theaters are starting to ban Meta smart glasses too. Here’s why",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/21/now-movie-theaters-are-starting-to-ban-meta-smart-glasses-too-heres",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-21T12:52:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Fast Company",
    "slug": "fast-company",
    "url": "https://www.fastcompany.com/91593349/meta-glasses-in-movie-theaters-some-cinema-owners-ban-them"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "UK cinemas are adopting measures to restrict the use of Meta smart glasses, joining a trend of establishments banning the wearable technology in public spaces. The UK Cinema Association (UKCA), representing over 90% of UK cinema operators, has expressed concerns about privacy and film piracy surrounding the use of smart glasses in movie theaters. As these glasses gain popularity, many UK cinemas have started implementing policies prohibiting or restricting their use, though specific venues have not been disclosed.\n\nMeta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, reported selling seven million Meta smart glasses in 2025, a threefold increase from 2023 and 2024 combined. Despite the growing backlash, the demand for smart glasses continues to rise. The UKCA and other establishments are joining a broader movement of prohibiting or restricting the use of smart glasses, which have also been banned in schools, medical offices, and even courtrooms. The New York state court system was the first U.S. state to implement a ban on smart glasses in all courts, followed by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prohibiting its employees from wearing the glasses in the federal workplace due to privacy concerns.\n\nThis trend of banning smart glasses comes amid increasing discussions about their use in various settings, including schools, medical offices, and even bathrooms. Recently, courts in England and Wales began confiscating Meta smart glasses from anyone entering their judicial buildings, citing restrictions on taking images or videos within court and tribunal premises. The HMCTS joined other UK establishments, such as private members' club Soho House and pub chain Wetherspoon, in their ban on smart glasses.\n\nAs the use of Meta smart glasses continues to grow, UK cinemas and other establishments are adapting to the changing landscape by implementing policies that restrict their use.",
  "summary": "UK cinemas are moving to restrict camera-enabled smart glasses made by Meta Platforms and other tech companies, joining the trend of establishments banning the wearable technology in public settings. On Thursday, the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) released a statement saying that while it recognizes smart glasses can provide benefits to those with access requirements, use of the technology in movie…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}