The UK government is considering a ban on smart glasses in specific locations, such as swimming pools and changing rooms, as part of a broader effort to combat violence against women and girls. This move follows growing concerns that the wearable technology is being used to film women without their consent.
Ministers are consulting on plans to restrict the use of smart glasses, which allow users to capture images, video, and audio, and can facilitate hands-free communication. While acknowledging their potential benefits for individuals with visual or hearing impairments, authorities are increasingly linking them to a rise in non-consensual filming of women.
During a recent parliamentary debate, Members of Parliament highlighted the disturbing trend of men using smart glasses to covertly record women, with the footage subsequently posted online, sometimes for profit. Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine noted that women are reporting discovering videos of themselves, filmed without their knowledge, going viral after nights out. She also pointed to the availability of modifications that can disable the small LED indicator on some smart glasses, making covert recording even harder to detect.
In response, Home Office minister Satvir Kaur stated that the government is actively exploring options to restrict smart glasses in certain settings and for specific users, emphasizing that the work is progressing rapidly. Potential bans in swimming pools and changing rooms are being considered, a measure already adopted by some Australian councils.
The Liberal Democrats have also proposed banning convicted sex offenders from purchasing smart glasses. However, shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns has called for more detailed plans from the government, cautioning against broad, sweeping bans. Kearns argued that while secret filming is unacceptable, a "blank cheque" for the government to dictate who can wear or purchase certain technology without clear guidelines is not the solution. She recalled the Conservative government's action in making upskirting a criminal offense, advocating for similar tightening of laws on covert filming rather than blanket prohibitions.
Baroness Davies, a Conservative peer and women's rights campaigner, expressed concern that smart glasses represent "yet another thing" that could be misused by individuals with malicious intent, potentially leading to women, girls, and children becoming victims. She urged for common-sense measures to be implemented.
Violence against women and girls minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged the particular issues posed by smart glasses with cameras but also noted the positive utility of camera-less glasses in professional settings, such as in Parliament for assisting colleagues with their work.