Wetherspoon pubs have banned customers from using the recording function on Meta's AI-powered glasses, citing privacy concerns and the potential for surreptitious filming. The popular pub chain stated that it does not permit the filming of customers or employees without consent, and believes the glasses breach this policy.
Customers wishing to enter Wetherspoon's more than 800 venues across the UK will be asked to disable the cameras on their Meta glasses. Tim Martin, chief executive of Wetherspoon, said that the glasses enable "surreptitious surveillance" and that the ban is consistent with efforts to prevent audible video playback in pubs, which he described as an invasion of personal space.
The Meta glasses, which feature a 12 MP ultra-wide camera, open-ear speakers, and integrated AI, allow users to record discreetly from their point of view. Prices for the eyewear range from £247 to £379. Despite privacy concerns, sales have reportedly tripled in the last year, with over 7 million pairs sold globally. A recent collaboration included a range designed by Kylie Jenner.
Broader Venue Bans
Wetherspoon is not the only UK establishment to implement restrictions on the glasses. Theatres, high-end restaurants, and other pub chains have also banned them to protect patron and staff privacy. Restaurateur Jeremy King, owner of several London venues, has also instructed guests not to wear the recording glasses, emphasizing a commitment to guest privacy.
Domestic abuse charities have raised concerns that the glasses could be exploited by stalkers and abusers, particularly impacting vulnerable groups such as women and children. Earlier this year, it was reported that footage recorded on the glasses was sometimes reviewed by data workers, including sensitive content.
Meta maintains that the glasses have a small, flashing LED light that activates when recording, alerting others to the camera's use. A spokesperson for Meta stated that the glasses offer beneficial features for users, such as hands-free calls and live translation, and are also used by individuals with low vision or hearing impairments. The company argues that restricting their use would be a significant step backward and that rules for filming should be applied consistently.
However, venues like Soho House's private members' clubs and ATG Theatres, which operates multiple venues across London, Bristol, and Edinburgh, have also prohibited the glasses, aligning with existing policies against filming within their establishments.