The UK government is exploring options to restrict the sale and use of smart glasses in certain settings due to concerns regarding surreptitious filming.
The UK government is considering placing restrictions on smart glasses due to concerns that the technology is being used to surreptitiously film women, according to safeguarding minister Satvir Kaur.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Satvir Kaur stated, “The benefits of smart glasses must be weighed against the harms they can cause. The government is already looking into options to restrict smart glasses in certain settings and restricting the sale to certain users.”
Kaur noted that people using smart glasses for filming may already be breaking the law in specific environments, such as courts where cameras are prohibited. Additionally, she stated that in sectors like healthcare and education, "existing safeguarding or professional policies... are relevant to smart glasses and any kind of digital recording."
NHS England and the Department for Education are currently reviewing the use of wearable technology in certain settings.
Liberal Democrat MP and culture spokesperson Anna Sabine initiated a debate regarding the technology. Sabine stated, “Women are reporting waking up after nights out to find videos of themselves have gone viral online, filmed without their knowledge or consent by men wearing smart glasses.”
Sabine further noted that advertisements for these devices sometimes highlight the ability "to film discreetly" and expressed a desire for parliament to regulate the technology before it is too late.
While addressing the risks, Kaur noted that smart glasses can be "hugely beneficial" for certain individuals, stating, "For example, for those that are visually impaired, smart glasses have been a gamechanger, helping them navigate the world around them."
In response to the controversy, a Meta spokesperson said: “People use our glasses because they’re helpful and let them stay in the moment, from listening to music to live translation or hands-free calls. They were built to be noticed, which is why every pair with a camera has a bright light on the front that blinks when you take a photo or video. It cannot be turned off and the camera is disabled if someone covers or tampers with it.”
As wearable technology becomes more prevalent, governments are weighing the accessibility benefits for people with impairments against privacy risks. Other jurisdictions, such as Australia, have already banned the use of smart glasses in public spaces including gyms, pools, and government buildings.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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