Norway plans temporary limits on AI-enabled smart glasses in public places

Norway plans to propose a temporary ban on AI-enabled smart glasses in certain public places, a move that could restrict use of devices at beaches, parks, museums, shopping centers and public events.

The Norwegian Ministry of Digitalization and Public Governance said in a press release that the government will bring legislation before Norway’s parliament, the Storting, as soon as possible and that the proposed restrictions are not yet in effect.

Officials said they are still determining which devices and locations would be covered, including whether the rules would apply only to AI-enabled glasses or to other wearable technology capable of recording.

“We do not want a society where people are concerned about hidden sound recordings, photography and filming in places and in situations where they are used to being without being monitored,” said Torgeir Micaelssen, minister of Digitalization and Public Administration, in the release.

The government said it is not seeking a complete ban on smart glasses. The devices could still be used privately and in certain settings where other people are not at risk of being recorded without their consent, the ministry said.

The proposal comes amid similar privacy debates in the United States. The Associated Press reported that California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently vetoed legislation that would have penalized people for using smart glasses to record others without permission in places such as changing rooms and doctors’ offices. That bill also would have required smart glasses and other wearable recording devices beginning in 2028 to include a light or another feature signaling when audio or video was being captured, the AP reported.

Under the California bill, people who secretly recorded someone in covered circumstances could have faced fines of up to $1,500 or possible prison time, and companies selling devices that failed to comply could have faced fines of up to $2,500, the AP reported.

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