Norway Moves to Limit AI Glasses in Public Spaces

Norway has taken a significant step toward controlling the use of wearable technology in public. The government in Oslo recently announced plans to introduce a bill that would create a temporary ban on AI-enabled smart glasses in various public locations. If passed, this law would restrict the use of these camera-equipped devices in places such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres, schools, and healthcare facilities. This move makes Norway the first major country to propose such a widespread government crackdown on this technology.

According to The Guardian, the proposal comes as global concern grows regarding how easily people can be filmed or recorded without their knowledge. Torgeir Micaelsen, Norway’s minister of digital affairs, expressed his worry about the rapid spread of these powerful tools. He stated that the government does not want a society where people feel anxious about being monitored in places where they usually expect privacy. By introducing a temporary ban, the government hopes to gain enough time to study the issue carefully and create permanent rules for the future. Ars Technica reports that the government will also set up an expert group to help develop these long-term regulations.

This new government action follows a growing trend of private businesses taking matters into their own hands. In the United Kingdom, for example, many restaurant owners and cinema chains have already started to limit or ban the use of smart glasses. These businesses cite concerns about both the privacy of their customers and the risk of film piracy. Within Norway itself, some organizations have already acted independently. Schools in Oslo and the large energy company Equinor have already banned the use of these devices in their offices and other facilities.

At the heart of the debate is the technology produced by companies like Meta, which sells popular smart glasses under the Ray-Ban and Oakley brands. Since 2023, the company has sold at least 9 million pairs of these devices. These glasses allow users to do many things, such as take photos, record videos, make phone calls, and use AI to get information. However, the ability to record others secretly has caused alarm. In France, a child welfare group called E-enfance reported receiving about 20 complaints this year involving women being filmed without their permission, often for the purpose of making social media pranks.

Meta has defended its products by highlighting the safety features included in the design. A spokesperson for the company explained that every pair of glasses with a camera has a bright LED light on the front. This light blinks whenever a photo or video is being taken. The company notes that this light cannot be turned off and that the camera will stop working if someone tries to cover or break it. Meta also encourages its users to be respectful, advising them to stop recording if someone expresses that they do not want to be filmed.

While Norway moves forward with its plan, other regions are taking different approaches. In the United States, for instance, the governor of California recently vetoed a bill that would have punished people for using smart glasses to record others in private spaces like changing rooms. The governor noted that the state already has existing laws to handle illegal recording. This shows that governments around the world are still struggling to find the right balance between supporting new technology and protecting the privacy of their citizens.

As the Norwegian government prepares to submit its bill to parliament, it will need to gain the support of other political parties to ensure the law passes. For now, the focus remains on creating a safe environment where technology can exist without making people feel uncomfortable in their daily lives. The outcome of this debate in Norway could set an important example for other countries that are also trying to decide how to manage the rise of AI-powered wearable devices.