Norway to Ban Smart Glasses from Some Public Places

The Norwegian government plans to implement a temporary ban on using AI-enabled smart glasses in specific public locations. This proposed ban follows escalating privacy concerns regarding the use of wearable devices equipped with monitoring capabilities.

The legislative proposal suggests restricting the use of AI glasses in venues such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping centers, and public events, while extending these prohibitions to areas frequented by children, including playgrounds. The restrictions may further encompass environments where privacy is paramount, such as healthcare facilities, athletic institutions with changing areas, and various academic institutions.

The measure will soon be formally introduced to parliament, potentially establishing Norway as the inaugural nation to implement concrete regulatory action against wearables integrating AI with camera and audio functionality. Authorities emphasized that the proposal does not constitute a comprehensive ban on AI eyewear; private usage remains permissible in public settings where the risk of unauthorized recording is absent.

Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration Torgeir Micaelsen stated that the temporary moratorium would facilitate a comprehensive investigation into the implications of AI glasses. This process, he added, would foster an informed public discourse to establish a robust foundation for long-term regulatory frameworks.