Norway Considers Ban on Smart Glasses in Public Spaces Amid Privacy Concerns
The Norwegian government plans to propose legislation that could restrict the use of AI-enabled smart glasses in public areas.
Norway is considering a temporary ban on AI-enabled smart glasses in public places, including beaches, parks, museums, and shopping centers, due to concerns about individuals being recorded without their knowledge or consent. The Norwegian Ministry of Digitalization and Public Governance announced plans to propose legislation to the country's parliament, the Storting.
"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," said Torgeir Micaelssen, minister of Digitalization and Public Administration. The government emphasized that the proposed restrictions would not be a complete ban, allowing for private use and use in settings where the risk of recording others without consent is minimal.
Officials are still defining the scope of the potential ban, including which specific devices and locations would be affected. The legislation aims to prevent the pervasive use of technology that can capture audio and video, addressing growing privacy concerns.
Similar debates are occurring in the United States. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that would have penalized the use of smart glasses for recording individuals without permission in sensitive locations like changing rooms and doctor's offices. That bill also proposed requiring wearable recording devices to include a visible indicator when audio or video is being captured. Newsom cited the bill's broad definition of wearable recording devices as a reason for his veto, noting that California already has laws against unauthorized recording in places where privacy is expected.
Under the proposed Norwegian legislation, individuals caught secretly recording could face fines up to $1,500 or potential imprisonment. Companies selling non-compliant devices could be fined up to $2,500. The government aims to introduce the legislation as soon as possible.