Norway plans temporary limits on AI glasses in public places

Norway’s government said on Oct. 5 that it plans to ask parliament to impose temporary restrictions on AI glasses in selected public places across the country, citing concern that people could be photographed, filmed or recorded without knowing. The proposal is not intended as a total ban and would retain some private use.¹²³

Where the restrictions could apply

The government identified places where people gather and settings involving children or heightened privacy concerns. Locations under consideration range from recreational and cultural sites to retail venues and public gatherings, alongside schools, play areas, youth centres and daycare facilities. Doctors’ offices, healthcare facilities, swimming pools and gyms with changing rooms could also be included.¹²³

The final technological scope has not been settled. The government said it would consider whether the measure should cover glasses equipped for camera and audio recording, devices combining cameras with artificial intelligence, or a broader range of technology worn on the body.²

Private use would remain possible where other people were not at risk of being recorded without consent, according to the government’s outline. Norwegian authorities are also considering exemptions for vulnerable groups and uses regarded as socially beneficial.¹²³

Privacy concerns drive the proposal

Torgeir Micaelsen, the minister responsible for digitalisation and public governance, said the worry was that people nearby might not realise when recording features were in use. “I am worried that new, powerful technology is being introduced where people risk being photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without knowing it,” he said.²

Meta sells connected Ray-Ban and Oakley eyewear that can film videos, capture still images, place calls, play music and act on AI prompts. According to The Guardian, Meta has sold no fewer than 9 million pairs of its Ray-Ban models since early 2023.¹

Meta says each camera-equipped pair includes a bright indicator light that flashes during photography or video recording. The company also says the light cannot be switched off and that the camera stops functioning if the indicator is covered or otherwise tampered with.¹

Legislation and permanent rules

Norway’s Labour party, which leads a minority government, said it intended to present the legislation as soon as possible. Because the government lacks a parliamentary majority, it will require backing from other parties for the temporary measure to pass.¹²

The government also plans to establish an expert group to prepare advice on permanent national regulation of smart glasses and other body-worn technology. The temporary restrictions would therefore precede a separate process intended to produce longer-term rules.¹²

Responses beyond Norway

Other organisations have taken narrower steps concerning the devices. The UK Cinema Association said in August that cinemas were introducing prohibitions or restrictions because of privacy and film-piracy concerns. British restaurant operators and Wetherspoons have likewise opposed patrons wearing the glasses, while Dutch optical retailer Hans Anders halted sales of Ray-Ban Meta devices.¹³

E-enfance said it had received about 20 reports during the year involving women allegedly filmed without their knowledge through camera-equipped glasses. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have imposed penalties for unauthorised smart-glasses recording in changing rooms, doctors’ offices and other private settings.¹³