The UK government is considering a ban on smart glasses in certain locations, including swimming pools and changing rooms, as part of a broader effort to address violence against women and girls. Ministers are consulting on plans to restrict the use of the wearable technology due to growing evidence that it is being used to film women without their consent.
Smart glasses, which allow users to capture images, video, and audio, have been linked to a rise in incidents where women are filmed covertly. During a parliamentary debate, MPs highlighted concerns about men filming women without their knowledge and posting the footage online. Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine noted that women have reported discovering viral videos of themselves filmed by men wearing smart glasses, sometimes after nights out. She also pointed to the availability of modifications to remove the device's indicator light, making covert filming easier.
In response, Home Office minister Satvir Kaur stated that the government is exploring options to restrict smart glasses in specific settings and for certain users, with work on the issue progressing rapidly. The proposed restrictions echo measures already adopted by some Australian councils.
Additionally, the Liberal Democrats have proposed banning convicted sex offenders from purchasing smart glasses. However, shadow safeguarding minister Alicia Kearns has called for more detailed proposals from the government, cautioning against broad bans. Kearns emphasized the need for tighter laws on covert filming rather than outright restrictions on the devices themselves, referencing the prior government's action to criminalize upskirting.
Baroness Davies, a women's rights campaigner, described smart glasses as "yet another thing to come along that will, without doubt, be used by certain men with bad intentions," predicting that women, girls, and children will be the primary victims. Violence against women and girls minister Alex Davies-Jones acknowledged the particular issues posed by smart glasses with cameras but also noted the beneficial uses of camera-less glasses for professionals.