Norway Moves to Restrict AI Glasses, Weighing Public-Space Bans Ove...

Norway Moves to Restrict AI Glasses, Weighing Public-Space Bans Over Privacy Fears

Norway's government is preparing a temporary ban on smart AI glasses in certain public locations, citing concerns the camera-equipped devices could be used to photograph, film, or record people without their knowledge. Digital Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said the government is worried about powerful new wearable tech letting people be recorded without anyone else realizing it's happening, since AI glasses let wearers capture photos, video, or audio without visibly pulling out a phone — making covert recording much harder to notice. The temporary measure is meant to buy time to study the technology, assess privacy impacts, and hold public debate before any permanent law is drafted.

The move follows mounting concern over misuse: French child-protection group E-enfance reported roughly 20 cases in 2026 of women being secretly filmed by AI glasses — mostly Meta's — with footage of women and children recorded in public without consent and later posted on social media.

Initial bans would apply to spaces where privacy is especially sensitive — healthcare facilities and fitness centers with changing rooms or showers — with plans to potentially expand restrictions to parks, beaches, museums, malls, schools, daycare centers, concerts, and public events. Personal/private use elsewhere would remain allowed.