Norway Proposes Temporary Ban on AI Glasses in Public Spaces

Norway's government is proposing a temporary ban on the use of AI glasses in certain public spaces, citing privacy concerns over the devices' ability to record video and audio without individuals' knowledge. The proposal is set to be presented to the Norwegian parliament, the Storting, as soon as possible.

Torgeir Micaelsen, Norway's minister of digitalization and public governance, expressed concern that emerging technologies could capture images, film, or record conversations covertly. The proposed ban aims to address these issues, particularly in locations where privacy is paramount.

Authorities are considering applying the ban to places such as healthcare facilities, fitness centers with changing rooms, and areas frequented by children, including schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and youth clubs. The scope could also extend to public events like concerts and sporting matches, as well as parks, beaches, museums, and shopping centers.

The temporary prohibition would provide authorities with the necessary time to conduct a more thorough examination of the technology, determine which devices might be affected, and engage in an "informed debate" that could lead to permanent regulations. The government clarified that the proposal is not a complete ban on AI glasses or other wearable technology, emphasizing that such devices would still be permissible in certain contexts and for private use.

Additionally, the government is contemplating exceptions for vulnerable groups to allow for "socially beneficial uses" of smart glasses in specific circumstances. This move by Norway reflects a broader trend of governments worldwide grappling with the implications of new technologies and their potential impact on individual privacy and public life. For instance, some governments have implemented restrictions on social media use for children and young teenagers, and recently, California's governor vetoed legislation that would have penalized the use of smart glasses to record individuals without consent in private settings. Microsoft has also announced privacy standards for its AI in schools, following negotiations with a major teachers' union.