Norway is considering new restrictions on smart glasses and other camera-enabled wearable devices as concerns grow over how the technology could affect privacy in public spaces.
Digital Minister Karianne Tung said the government is looking at regulating camera-enabled wearables, including products developed by Meta and Snap. These devices can capture images and connect to the internet, while emerging features such as facial recognition have added to concerns from civil liberties advocates.
The devices have also faced consumer criticism, with some referring to them as “pervert glasses” over fears that people could be recorded without their knowledge or consent.
Tung pointed to a growing trend of combining artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones in everyday wearable devices, including glasses, headphones and hats.
“We must prevent this equipment from being used to monitor other people in public places,” Tung said.
She added that potential measures could include restricting or banning the use of facial recognition of other people in public places.
The Norwegian government is now planning to establish a group of experts to advise it on how privacy rights can be better protected as camera-enabled and AI-powered wearables become more common.
The proposed measures come as wearable technology increasingly moves beyond traditional smart devices, raising questions around consent, surveillance and how people can be protected from being recorded in public without their knowledge.
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