Norway’s government has proposed a temporary ban on smart glasses in public places, citing concerns over privacy and the potential for unwanted recording of individuals without their consent. The move comes as various countries and regions around the world grapple with the implications of wearable technology on personal freedoms.
The ban, which is still pending approval by Norway’s parliament, would prohibit the use of AI glasses (as they’re called in the official bulletin) in a number of public locations, including parks, beaches, museums, shopping malls, and public events. The Ministry of Digitization and Public Administration has also indicated that other spaces could be included, such as schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, leisure clubs, health institutions, universities, and colleges.
The government’s motivation for the ban is clear: Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration Torgeir Micaelsen has expressed concern that new technology is being introduced without adequate consideration for its impact on society. “We risk creating a society where people are concerned about hidden audio recordings, photography, and filming in places and situations where they are used to being without being monitored,” he warns. Such a scenario could lead to feelings of unease and make individuals withdraw from public life.
The proposed ban is not an outright prohibition on smart glasses, however; those devices will still be allowed for private use or in places where the risk of unwanted recording does not exist. For example, travelers will still be able to wear their AI glasses when visiting areas that do not inherently involve filming or photographing others without consent.
This development comes as various companies are now producing competitors to Meta’s smart glasses, which include Google’s Android XR hardware partners Gentle Monster and Warby Parker. Meanwhile, Dutch optical eyewear chain Hans Anders has halted sales of Meta smart glasses in the Netherlands due to privacy concerns, and new legislation in several US states and cities has effectively banned camera-equipped smart glasses from public government buildings.
The establishment of a special council to look at permanent national regulation of wearable technology is also noteworthy. It’s unclear whether this includes audio-only smart glasses like those introduced by Meta last month, but it’s clear that the regulatory landscape for VR and XR tech is shifting rapidly.
As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible with immersive technologies, it’s essential to have open discussions about their implications on society. The proposed ban in Norway serves as a reminder that the growth of VR and XR must be balanced with consideration for individual freedoms and the potential consequences of emerging technology. With this move, Norway is taking steps towards ensuring that the benefits of smart glasses are not outweighed by concerns over privacy and surveillance.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the development of wearable technology will require ongoing dialogue between governments, industry leaders, and consumers. The establishment of a special council in Norway and similar initiatives elsewhere demonstrate a growing recognition of the need for responsible innovation in VR and XR.
Source: Road to VR — 2026-10-07