Concerns about the potential invasion of privacy by smart glasses have prompted the Norwegian government to consider a temporary ban on the use of smart glasses with camera functionality in certain public places.
A legislative proposal is being developed by the Norwegian government to prohibit the use of such glasses in parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, schools, daycare centers, healthcare facilities, gyms, and other public spaces.
Norwegian Minister of Digital Affairs, Torgeir Micaelsen, expressed apprehension about the introduction of this powerful new technology, fearing that people may unknowingly be photographed, recorded, or filmed.
“We do not want to see a society where people have to worry about being recorded, photographed, or filmed without their knowledge in places and situations where they are used to being unmonitored,” he said.
The Norwegian Labour Party leads a minority government, requiring support from other parties to pass legislation. The party has indicated it will submit a bill promptly and has commissioned an expert panel to develop permanent regulatory measures addressing this issue.
The government emphasizes that the aim is not a complete ban on the technology. Private use and situations where recording does not infringe on the privacy of others will still be permitted.
Restrictions on such glasses have been implemented in various locations globally, including certain courts in the UK and the US. Many establishments such as bars, cinemas, and restaurants have also imposed bans out of privacy concerns.
Meta Company is selling “smart” versions of Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses, which have the capability to take videos, photos, make phone calls, play music, and execute AI commands. Since early 2023, sales of only the Ray-Ban smart glasses have reached at least 9 million pairs.
In France, the child welfare organization E-enfance reported approximately 20 instances this year of women being surreptitiously recorded by glasses equipped with cameras, with the majority of cases involving Meta smart glasses.
Meta emphasizes that every pair of smart glasses is equipped with an anti-tampering LED signal light. When the user is recording or taking photos, the light flashes white; if the signal light is obstructed or tampered with, the camera automatically shuts off. Meta advises users, “Not everyone likes being photographed. If someone clearly indicates they do not want to be photographed, please stop recording immediately.”