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Technology

Norway proposes temporary ban on smart glasses in certain public places

Ministers seek interim restrictions over concerns the wearable technology can record people without their consent.

The short version

  • Norway's government is proposing that parliament enact a temporary ban on smart glasses across select public spaces.[ABC News]
  • Torgeir Micaelsen, the minister of digitalization and public governance, raised concerns about individuals being photographed, filmed, or audio-recorded without their knowledge.[ABC News]
  • Commercial adoption has expanded quickly, with Meta selling at least 9 million pairs of Ray-Ban smart glasses since early 2023.[The Guardian]

Key facts

  • The government of Norway has proposed a temporary ban on AI smart glasses in certain public spaces.[ABC News]
  • Torgeir Micaelsen, Norway's minister of digitalization and public governance, voiced concerns over technology recording audio or imagery without individuals knowing.[ABC News]
  • Meta has sold at least 9 million pairs of Ray-Ban smart glasses since the start of 2023.[The Guardian]
  • California's governor recently vetoed a bill that would have penalized using smart glasses to record people in private spaces without consent.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • Whether the Norwegian parliament will approve the proposed temporary restrictions remains unconfirmed.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.