Norway considers ban on smart glasses and camera-enabled wearables amid privacy concerns
Quick Look
- Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other camera-enabled wearable headsets due to privacy concerns, as stated by Digital Minister Karianne Tung.
- The government aims to regulate devices from companies like Meta and Snap that feature cameras, internet connectivity, and potential facial recognition, which critics call 'pervert glasses' and say intrude on public privacy.
- Tung plans to form an expert group to advise on protecting privacy rights.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Norway's government is examining regulatory options for camera-enabled wearable devices like smart glasses due to growing privacy concerns over their potential use for surveillance and facial recognition in public spaces.
Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other camera-enabled wearable headsets as it seeks to regulate the controversial technology amid privacy concerns.
The country’s digital minister Karianne Tung, as quoted by the AFP news agency, said that the government is looking to regulate the use of camera-enabled wearables, such as those made by Meta and Snap. These wearables feature cameras, are internet-connected, and may soon include facial recognition, drawing ire from civil liberties advocates, who say the devices intrude on people’s privacy. Some call the devices “pervert glasses,” prompting considerable consumer backlash.
Norway’s Tung said there is a “clear trend toward combining artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones built into glasses, headphones, hats and other objects we use in everyday life.”
“We must prevent this equipment from being used to monitor other people in public places,” said Tung, who added that this may include banning the use of facial recognition of other people in public places.
Tung plans to set up a group of experts to advise the government on better protecting people’s privacy rights.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Norway will implement regulations restricting the use of facial recognition in public places via wearable devices
Likely · Within months
Norway may enact a ban on certain camera-enabled wearable headsets
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific penalties would apply for violating a potential ban on smart glasses?
- When will the expert group be formed and what is its timeline for recommendations?
- How will Norway define 'public places' in the context of regulating wearable device use?
- Are there exemptions being considered for law enforcement or professional use of such devices?
