Technology and Scienceupdated 1h ago3 min read
Norway Plans Temporary Ban On AI Glasses In Public Places Over Privacy Concerns
Norway proposes temporary ban on AI glasses in selected public spaces. Ban could apply to parks, beaches, gyms, and healthcare facilities.
Norway targets AI glasses
Norway’s government said it plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of AI glasses in selected places, citing concern that people could be photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without their knowledge. Torgeir Micaelsen warned, "I am worried that new, powerful technology is being introduced where people risk being photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without knowing it," as the proposal moved toward parliament. Norway’s government said the ban could apply to places where the public regularly gathers, including parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres and public events.
Norway’s government also said the temporary restrictions could extend to schools, playgrounds and youth clubs, and to privacy-sensitive places such as doctors' offices, swimming pools and gyms with changing rooms. Norway’s government said it was not eyeing a total ban, and that private use, and use where others are not at risk of being filmed without consent, would still be allowed.
Where the line may fall
Norway’s Oslo government planned a bill to prevent the use of camera-enabled spectacles in parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres, schools, daycare centres, healthcare facilities, gyms and public events, while allowing private use. Torgeir Micaelsen said, "We do not want a society where people worry about being recorded without their knowledge, photographed or filmed in places and situations where they are accustomed to not being monitored," as the minority Labour government sought support from other parties. Norway’s proposal emphasized that it would not be a total ban on AI glasses or other wearable technology, and it said such devices should still be allowed in some places and for private use.
Norway’s government said it was considering exceptions for vulnerable groups so that "socially beneficial uses" of smart glasses could be permitted in some circumstances. Norway’s government said it would task an expert group with drawing up permanent regulations, while also preparing to submit the temporary ban to the Storting "as soon as possible."
Meta, privacy advocates, and next steps
Meta sells smart versions of Ray-Ban and Oakley glasses that allow users to film, take photos, make phone calls, play music and execute AI prompts, and Norway’s move came as global concern grew about AI-enabled recording devices. Meta’s spokesperson said, "Every pair with a camera has a bright light on the front that blinks when you take a photo or video," and the spokesperson added that the camera is disabled if someone covers or tampers with it. Privacy International’s Adam Smith said Norway’s move was "a welcome protection against big tech’s greedy attempts to extract ever more data, often in absence of any thought for the privacy or rights of others," as he argued that people do not expect to be secretly surveilled.
Norway’s government said it would examine which technology the ban would cover, including whether it would apply to glasses with camera and audio recording, glasses with camera and AI functions, or other body-worn technology with camera, audio recording and/or AI. Norway’s government said it would present a bill to parliament as soon as possible and set up an expert group to advise on permanent national regulation of body-worn technology.