Technology
Norway considers ban on camera-enabled smart glasses over privacy concerns
The Norwegian government plans to assemble an expert group to evaluate regulations and potential bans on camera-equipped wearables in public areas.
The short version
- Norway is reviewing potential regulations, including bans, on smart glasses and camera-equipped wearable headsets.
- The regulatory review targets devices from companies such as Meta and Snap amid public concerns over unauthorized recording and prospective facial recognition.
- The Norwegian government plans to form an advisory expert group to examine privacy protections before introducing formal rules.
Key facts
- Norwegian Digital Minister Karianne Tung announced that the government is evaluating regulations and potential bans on camera-equipped smart glasses and wearable headsets.[TechCrunch]
- The prospective regulations address devices produced by tech companies including Meta and Snap due to integrated cameras, connectivity, and potential facial recognition tools.[TechCrunch]
- Tung stated that the government intends to form an expert advisory panel to formulate recommendations on safeguarding privacy rights in public spaces.[TechCrunch]
What remains uncertain
- The exact scope of potential restrictions, including whether rules will result in a total ban on devices or specific prohibitions on features like facial recognition, has not been determined.[TechCrunch]