Norway Weighs Ban on ‘Pervert Glasses’ Equipped with Camera Technology

Norway is contemplating a prohibition on smart glasses and various types of wearable headsets that incorporate cameras, aiming to regulate this contentious technology due to significant privacy issues.

As stated by Karianne Tung, Norway’s digital minister, the government is exploring methods to oversee the use of camera-enabled wearable devices, including those produced by Meta and Snap. These internet-connected devices might soon include facial recognition technology, which has raised concerns among civil liberties organizations that argue these tools violate personal privacy. Detractors have labeled them as “pervert glasses,” resulting in strong public backlash.

Tung highlighted a “clear trend towards merging artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones built into glasses, headphones, hats, and other common items.”

“We must establish safeguards to prevent this technology from being used for surveillance of individuals in public spaces,” Tung emphasized, indicating this could involve prohibiting facial recognition of individuals in such settings.

Tung intends to form a committee of experts to help the government strengthen the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.