AI glasses face their first major government crackdown

Norway has become the first major country to propose a temporary ban on the use of AI glasses in selected public places, citing growing privacy concerns over wearable technology.

The center-left government said on Monday it would introduce a law to parliament soon covering a temporary ban in places such as parks, beaches, schools and kindergartens. It will also set up an expert group to propose permanent national rules.

"I am concerned about the introduction of powerful new technology where people risk being photographed, filmed, or recorded without their knowledge," said Torgeir Micaelsen, Norway's digitalization minister. He said a temporary ban "will give us time to conduct a thorough assessment and hold an informed debate that can lay the foundation for permanent regulation."

The government said it did not want a total ban, and that appropriate use could be where there is no risk of filming people without their consent. It described the proposed ban as a "high priority" and said a draft law would soon be presented to parliament.

"We do not want a society where people are concerned about hidden audio recordings, photography, and filming in places and situations where they are used to being without being monitored. Such a society can be experienced as unsafe and cause us to withdraw," Micaelsen said.

Parts of Norwegian society have already imposed their own bans, including schools in Oslo and Equinor, the country's biggest company, which has banned the devices from its offices and offshore facilities. Australia is considering a ban on smart glasses in certain public spaces, while courtrooms in several countries have issued bans.

Governments worldwide are grappling with how to regulate AI glasses, including those from Facebook owner Meta and cheaper copycat devices, amid worries they are used to film people without consent, including children and women in settings such as changing rooms. US tech companies including Meta, Google and OpenAI believe wearable technology could replace mobile phones as a main gateway to AI. Counterpoint Research analysts estimate consumers will spend more than $1 trillion between 2026 and 2032 on wearable devices. Campaigners have dubbed the devices "pervert technology."