Norway Mulls Over Potential Ban on Camera-Equipped ‘Spy Glasses’

Norway is contemplating a prohibition on smart glasses and various wearable headsets that come equipped with cameras due to urgent privacy concerns linked to this contentious technology.

Karianne Tung, the digital minister of Norway, mentioned that the government is examining regulations for camera-enabled wearable devices, including those produced by Meta and Snap. The potential integration of facial recognition technology in these interconnected devices has raised alarms among civil liberties advocates, who contend that this could violate personal privacy. Opponents have referred to these devices as “pervert glasses,” resulting in notable public backlash.

Tung observed a “distinctive trend towards integrating artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones in everyday items such as glasses, headphones, and hats.”

“It is crucial that we implement measures to prevent this technology from being used for surveillance in public areas,” Tung emphasized, indicating that this might involve prohibiting facial recognition of individuals in such locations.

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