A visit to the park. A day spent at the beach. An exercise routine at the gym. All these activities take place in public areas where smart glasses have the capability to capture images, record discussions, or broadcast live footage online — often without the awareness of those within their sight and sound range.
The Norwegian government is seeking to address the advantages and risks associated with AI glasses, proposing a temporary prohibition on their use in certain locations.
This initiative reflects a growing apprehension in various nations regarding emerging technologies that are significantly altering daily life. Some governments have restricted social media access for children and adolescents.
The proposal for a temporary ban is expected to be submitted to the Storting, Norway’s parliament, “at the earliest opportunity.”
Defining the boundaries
Norwegian officials indicated that a prohibition on smart glasses could be relevant in areas where “privacy is crucial,” such as healthcare settings or gyms with changing areas and showers. A significant emphasis is placed on locations frequented by children, including schools, daycare centers, parks, and youth organizations.
However, the ban could also extend to public events like concerts and sports matches, as well as parks, beaches, museums, and retail complexes.
Implementing a temporary ban would allow officials to evaluate which devices might be impacted and discuss the necessity of long-term regulations. The government clarified that it is not advocating for an outright ban, stating that such devices could still be permitted in certain locations and for personal use.
Additionally, the government mentioned it is considering making exceptions for vulnerable populations, allowing for “socially beneficial uses” of smart glasses in specific situations.
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Privacy advocates support Norway’s decision
Adam Smith, a technology advocacy representative from Privacy International in Britain, stated that Norway’s actions serve as “a much-needed safeguard against the insatiable data demands of large tech companies, often disregarding the privacy and rights of individuals.”
He added, “No scenario exists where individuals should expect to be covertly monitored while going about their everyday activities.”
An attempt to regulate AI glasses encountered challenges — in Silicon Valley itself.
Last week, California’s governor vetoed a bill that aimed to impose penalties for using smart glasses to record individuals without their consent in areas considered private, such as changing rooms and medical offices.
Meta’s new AI smart glasses are causing a stir among celebrities and consumers. CBC’s Ian Hanomansing and Baneet Braich break down why they’re so divisive, and whether or not they’d buy a pair.
Despite assurances from Meta, some businesses impose restrictions
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, which has launched AI glasses in collaboration with Ray-Ban, promotes privacy awareness and guides users on responsible usage of the glasses.
“Respect individual preferences. Not everyone appreciates being photographed. Cease recording if someone indicates they would prefer you not to,” Meta states on its website.
The tech firm located in Menlo Park, California, asserts that a light on the glasses signals when recording is active, and if the light is obstructed or tampered with, the camera will be automatically disabled.
Nevertheless, despite these recommendations, some privacy groups report an increasing backlash against AI glasses.
Hans Anders, a well-known eyewear retailer in the Netherlands, has halted the sale of Ray-Ban Meta glasses.
Tech giants like Meta, Google, and Snap are betting that smart glasses will be the next must-have gadget. For The National, CBC’s Nora Young explains how AI is expanding the possibilities of wearable tech — while also creating new challenges.
“This decision follows the ongoing public and political discussions regarding smart glasses and the concerns raised about the usage conditions of this technology,” Hans Anders stated, indicating that they plan to wait for the outcome of these discussions before making a conclusive decision.
In the UK, the UK Cinema Association announced in August that it would be implementing policies to either prohibit or limit the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses, citing privacy issues and the potential for film piracy associated with this technology.