Meta's smart glasses have come under the scrutiny of governments, courts, and companies around the world. The concern is that built-in cameras and microphones in the Ray-Ban models may record confidential people or materials without them realizing.
With the popularization of the technology, different countries have started to evaluate whether current rules are sufficient to deal with devices capable of discreetly recording images and sounds.
New York banned glasses and accessories with recording features in all judicial facilities. Image generated by artificial intelligence - ChatGPT/Olhar Digital
Restrictions already appear in different countries
In the United States, the Unified Judicial System of New York banned, since July 20th, glasses and accessories with cameras, microphones, computers, or other recording technologies in all its facilities. In England and Wales, courts have also banned Meta's smart glasses due to the rules regarding photography and videos in these spaces.
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The movement has reached British cinemas. According to the UK Cinema Association, operators are adopting policies to prohibit or limit the use of smart glasses with cameras.
In Australia, the federal government is assessing the possibility of banning camera-equipped models in government workplaces. The Public Service Minister, Katy Gallagher, requested an analysis of the measure and possible exceptions.
The rapid advancement of wearable technology is challenging privacy in public places and work environments. Image: JLStock / Shutterstock
Europe is still discussing how to act
In the European Union, data protection regulators and parliamentarians have also begun examining the technology. The European Data Protection Committee ordered a report on the "social acceptability" of the devices.
European parliamentarian Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová requested that the European Commission evaluate possible measures. So far, there is no specific Union legislation on smart glasses.
Norway intends to propose a temporary ban on so-called artificial intelligence glasses in public gathering places, such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, and events. In Oslo, the use of these devices in schools has already been banned in August.
The current scenario includes:
- New York: ban in all judicial facilities;
- United Kingdom: restrictions in courts and specific policies in cinemas;
- European Union: regulatory assessment, without specific legislation; Norway: proposal for restrictions in public places and prohibition in Oslo schools; Australia: analysis of possible prohibition in government work environments.
The expansion of smart glasses raises an increasingly practical question for governments and institutions: how to protect privacy when cameras and microphones become part of a facial accessory.
Valdir Antonelli is a journalist with specialization in digital marketing and consumer behavior.
