Norway proposes regulation of camera-enabled wearables to protect privacy

Norway's digital minister is considering a ban on smart glasses and other camera-equipped wearables due to privacy risks. The government aims to prevent surveillance of people in public places, potentially banning facial recognition. An expert group will be formed to advise on privacy protections.

The proposed restrictions target a fast-growing category of consumer devices that blend artificial intelligence with everyday accessories. Meta and Snap are among the manufacturers whose products would fall under the new rules, which could extend beyond glasses to headphones, hats, and other objects equipped with recording technology. These devices combine cameras, microphones, and internet connectivity, enabling continuous data collection in public spaces.

Norway's approach reflects broader European unease about surveillance technology. The digital minister's plan includes convening an expert advisory group to develop privacy safeguards, with facial recognition in public settings flagged as a particular concern. Civil liberties advocates have voiced strong opposition to the devices, with some critics labeling them "pervert glasses" amid notable consumer backlash against the technology.