AI Glasses Restrictions
Norway Plans Temporary Public Restrictions on AI and Camera Glasses
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Key Points
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Digitalisation Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said he was worried that “new, powerful technology” could leave people photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without knowing it.
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Norway is also considering whether universities and colleges should be covered by the restrictions.
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The proposal comes amid other restrictions on camera glasses: Dutch chain Hans Anders stopped selling Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses in the Netherlands and Belgium, some UK venues have banned them, and New York has barred smart glasses from courtrooms.
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Micaelsen had become digitalisation minister about four weeks before the announcement; his predecessor, Karianne Tung, had not supported a ban, according to Norwegian broadcaster TV 2.
Norway is moving toward temporary restrictions on AI glasses and camera-equipped eyewear in public spaces like parks, museums, schools, and gyms. Economic Times reports the government wants to prevent people from being recorded without their knowledge while preserving private use where no real recording risk exists.
Digitalisation Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said he was worried that "new, powerful technology" could leave people photographed, filmed, or audio-recorded secretly. The minority government plans to submit legislation to parliament and create an expert group to shape longer-term rules, News18 confirmed.
Which Places Would Be Off-Limits for Smart Glasses
Streamline Feed details that Norway's temporary ban would target sensitive locations. The list includes parks, museums, schools, doctors' offices, and gyms with changing rooms. Government officials have not yet decided which specific devices or other body-worn cameras would fall under the restrictions.
Norway is also weighing whether universities and colleges should be included. The restrictions aim to let people use smart glasses freely in private settings or anywhere covert recording poses no real threat to others.
Smart Glasses Bans Are Already Spreading Globally
Norway's move joins other countries tightening rules on camera glasses. US Head Topics notes that the Dutch chain Hans Anders stopped selling Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses in the Netherlands and Belgium over privacy fears. Some UK venues have already banned them outright.
New York has barred smart glasses from courtrooms entirely. These scattered bans reflect growing unease about unauthorized recording. Norway's proposal aims to set a clearer, nationwide standard before the technology spreads further.
A New Minister Changes Norway's Privacy Stance
Torgeir Micaelsen became Digitalisation Minister roughly four weeks before announcing the smart glasses proposal. His predecessor, Karianne Tung, did not support a ban, US Head Topics reported. The change in leadership appears to have shifted Norway's approach to the technology.
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