Norway's centre-left government has become the first in the world to propose a temporary ban on AI-enabled eyewear in certain public places, citing privacy concerns. Digitalisation minister Torgeir Micaelsen called the move a 'high priority' to avoid repeating the laissez-faire approach taken with social media 15 years ago. The ban would target sensitive areas such as schools, changing rooms, beaches, museums, shopping centres, kindergartens, playgrounds, healthcare facilities, fitness centres, and universities.
Many details remain to be finalised, but the proposal aims to address growing public unease over covert recording, particularly of women and children. A French data protection survey found 67% of respondents viewed smart glasses as a privacy risk. Norway's move follows piecemeal bans by UK and US courts, Equinor, and Oslo schools.
The European Data Protection Board has commissioned a report on smart glasses' social acceptability to guide EU lawmakers, while Australia and Dutch retailer Hans Anders have also taken restrictive actions. Norway plans to establish an expert group to inform permanent regulation, with Micaelsen acknowledging the complexity of regulating such technology but expressing hope for a harmonised EU approach similar to past convergence on cookies and ad tech.
Source: Financial Times Companies · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing