Norway proposes temporary ban on AI glasses in some public places

On October 5, 2026, Norway's minority government proposed a temporary ban on AI-enabled smart glasses in selected public spaces like parks, beaches, and schools to address covert recording concerns. While not a total ban, the measure aims to allow time to draft permanent rules. The proposal reflects a growing global backlash, including sales suspensions by Dutch retailer Hans Anders and restrictions in UK cinemas, contrasting with California Governor Gavin Newsom's recent veto of a similar bill.

Norway's legislative proposal for a ban

• ▪On October 5, 2026, Norway's minority government announced plans to propose a temporary ban on using AI-enabled smart glasses in selected public places.
• ▪The Norwegian government plans to task an expert group with drawing up permanent national regulations on body-worn technology.
• ▪The Norwegian government plans to submit the temporary smart glasses ban bill to the parliament, known as the Storting, as soon as possible.
• ▪Norway's Digitalisation and Public Governance Minister Torgeir Micaelsen stated the proposed ban aims to prevent a society where people worry about being recorded without their knowledge.
• ▪Norway's Labour Party, which heads the minority government, requires support from other political parties to pass the proposed smart glasses ban.

Proposed scope of Norway's smart glasses ban

• ▪Norway's proposed ban could also cover schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, youth clubs, healthcare facilities, and gyms or swimming pools with changing rooms.
• ▪The proposed smart glasses ban in Norway is not a blanket ban, allowing private use and use where others are not at risk of being recorded without consent.
• ▪Norway's proposed temporary ban on smart glasses could apply to public spaces including parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, and public events.

Existing smart glasses bans in Norway

• ▪The capital city of Oslo, Norway, has already implemented a ban on glasses equipped with cameras in its schools.
• ▪Norway's largest company, the oil and gas major Equinor, has banned smart glasses from its offices and offshore facilities.

Filming incidents and investigations in France

• ▪The Paris public prosecutor opened a criminal investigation into incidents where covertly filmed videos of women were shared on social media as pranks.
• ▪In 2026, French child welfare group e-Enfance received approximately 20 reports of women being filmed without consent in public, primarily with Meta smart glasses.

Smart glasses restrictions in the United Kingdom

• ▪UK restaurateur Jeremy King and the pub chain Wetherspoons restricted or banned customers from using smart glasses on their premises.
• ▪The UK Cinema Association introduced policies in August 2026 to restrict or prohibit camera-enabled smart glasses due to privacy and piracy concerns.

California laws on recording and smart glasses

• ▪California already has laws that prohibit individuals from recording others without permission in locations where privacy is generally expected.
• ▪California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation in late September or early October 2026 that would have penalized using smart glasses to record people without permission.

Features of Meta's smart glasses

• ▪Meta states its smart glasses feature an LED light that blinks during recording and automatically disables the camera if covered or tampered with.
• ▪Meta's smart glasses, sold under brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley, allow users to film, take photos, make phone calls, and execute AI prompts.

Market forecasts for wearable devices and smart glasses

• ▪Counterpoint Research estimates that consumers will spend more than $1 trillion on wearable devices globally between 2026 and 2032.
• ▪Bank of America research forecasts that global smart glasses shipments will exceed 10 million units in 2025 and reach 55 million units by 2030.

Debatable claims

• ▪Norway should enact a temporary ban on smart glasses in public places
• ▪Built-in LED recording indicators on smart glasses are sufficient to protect public privacy
• ▪Private businesses are justified in banning smart glasses on their premises
• ▪Smart glasses pose a greater threat to public privacy than smartphones