The Norwegian government is advancing legislation that would restrict the use of camera-equipped smart glasses in specific public venues, including parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, schools, daycare facilities, healthcare settings, gyms, and public events. Private use of the devices would remain permitted. The proposed restrictions reflect mounting concern among policymakers about the potential for individuals to be photographed, filmed, or audio-recorded without their awareness or consent.
Torgeir Micaelsen, Norway’s minister of digital affairs, stated that the government aims to prevent the creation of a society where citizens face anxiety about being monitored in settings where they have traditionally expected privacy. The proposed legislation requires support from opposition parties, as Norway’s Labour-led government holds only a minority in parliament. Officials plan to submit the bill without delay while simultaneously establishing an expert committee to develop comprehensive long-term regulations on the technology.
The Norwegian initiative aligns with a growing international trend of restricting smart glasses use. Jurisdictions including the United Kingdom and United States have already implemented bans in courtrooms, restaurants, pubs, and cinemas. Meta’s Ray-Ban and Oakley smart glasses, which enable recording, photography, calling, music playback, and AI functions, have achieved significant commercial success, with millions of units sold since 2023.
Concerns about the devices have intensified following reports of unauthorized recording incidents. French child welfare organizations documented approximately 20 reports this year involving women filmed without consent using camera-equipped glasses, predominantly Meta-branded models. The company has incorporated a white LED indicator that illuminates during recording and cannot be disabled, positioning this as a privacy safeguard. A California governor recently vetoed legislation that would have created specific penalties for using smart glasses to record individuals in private spaces, though the state maintains existing unlawful recording statutes.
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