Smart glasses face partial ban plan in Norway

Norway's government said Monday it wants a temporary ban on the use of smart glasses in some public places, citing privacy concerns over people being filmed without knowing it.

The proposal could cover parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres, schools, daycare centres, healthcare facilities, gyms and public events. The Labour Party minority government needs support from other parties and plans to submit a bill as soon as possible.

Digital Affairs and Public Administration Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said the government did not want people to fear being recorded or filmed in places where they are used to not being monitored. The government said it was not seeking a blanket ban and has asked an expert group to draft permanent rules.

The debate comes amid concern in Europe about smart glasses, including Meta models sold under brands such as Ray-Ban and Oakley. In France, child welfare group e-Enfance said last month it had received about 20 reports of women being filmed without consent, mostly with Meta glasses. It said some videos were later posted on social media, and the Paris public prosecutor opened an investigation.

Oslo has already decided to ban camera-equipped glasses in schools. Meta says its glasses use an LED light that flashes when a photo or video is taken and cannot be turned off without disabling the camera.