Smart glasses banned in Oslo schools over privacy concerns

Oslo has banned smart glasses in schools throughout the entire school day and at all education levels, saying the move is meant to protect children from being filmed and from data collection.

The municipality said the ban took effect on August 27. Oslo Vice Mayor for Education Julie Remen Midtgarden said the devices make it difficult to know when someone is being recorded.

Midtgarden criticised Norway's government for setting up an expert group while it considers rules on such devices and facial recognition in public places, saying the glasses are already being sold and used in school playgrounds in Norway.

Smart glasses can be used to take photos and videos, listen to music, make calls, translate signs, display text or maps and interact with an AI assistant.