Norway Evaluates Potential Ban on Camera-Enabled ‘Spy Glasses’

Norway is contemplating a prohibition on smart glasses and various wearable headsets that are equipped with cameras, driven by an urgent need to address significant privacy issues linked to this controversial technology.

Karianne Tung, Norway’s digital minister, mentioned that the government is exploring regulations for wearable devices that feature cameras, including those produced by Meta and Snap. These interconnected devices may soon adopt facial recognition technology, alarming civil liberties advocates who argue that they violate individual privacy. Critics have branded them “pervert glasses,” provoking substantial public reaction.

Tung highlighted a “discernible trend toward the integration of artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones built into everyday items like glasses, headphones, and hats.”

“It is crucial we take steps to ensure this technology is not used for surveillance in public spaces,” Tung emphasized, suggesting that this could involve banning facial recognition of individuals in such environments.

Tung aims to form a committee of experts to assist the government in strengthening the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.