Norway Considers Temporary Ban on Smart Glasses in Public Spaces

<p>The government of Norway is planning to propose a temporary ban on AI-enabled glasses in certain public places, according to a press release from the Norwegian Ministry of Digitalization and Public Governance. The proposed restrictions could apply to locations frequently visited by travelers, including beaches, parks, museums, shopping centers, and public events.</p><p>Smart glasses can be equipped with cameras and microphones capable of taking photos and recording video or audio. Norwegian officials have expressed concerns that this technology could enable individuals to be recorded without their knowledge.</p><p>Torgeir Micaelssen, the minister of Digitalization and Public Administration, stated, "We do not want a society where people are concerned about hidden sound recordings, photography and filming in places and in situations where they are used to being without being monitored."</p><p>The proposed restrictions are not yet in effect, as the government plans to present legislation to Norway's parliament, the Storting, as soon as possible. Officials are still determining which devices and locations would be included in the ban, and whether it would apply solely to AI-enabled glasses or also to other wearable technology capable of recording.</p><p>The government clarified that it is not seeking a complete ban on smart glasses; these devices could still be used privately and in settings where individuals are not at risk of being recorded without consent.</p><p>This proposal arises amid ongoing privacy concerns regarding smart glasses, which are also being discussed in the United States. Recently, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have penalized individuals for using smart glasses to record others without permission in sensitive locations such as changing rooms and doctors' offices. The measure would have required wearable recording devices to include a light or feature indicating when audio or video was being captured, starting in 2028.</p><p>Governor Newsom stated that the bill's definition of a wearable recording device was too broad and noted that California already has laws prohibiting unauthorized recordings in areas where privacy is generally expected. Under the proposed legislation, individuals who secretly recorded someone in covered circumstances could have faced fines of up to $1,500 or potential prison time, while companies selling non-compliant devices could have faced fines of up to $2,500.</p><p><i>The Associated Press contributed reporting.</i></p>