Norway Considers Ban on Camera-Equipped ‘Spy Glasses’

Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and various wearable headsets equipped with cameras, prompted by the urgent need to tackle serious privacy concerns associated with this contentious technology.

Karianne Tung, Norway’s digital minister, noted that the government is investigating ways to regulate the use of wearable devices that include cameras, such as those from Meta and Snap. These connected devices may soon incorporate facial recognition technology, which raises alarms among civil liberties advocates who maintain that such devices infringe on personal privacy. Critics have referred to them as “pervert glasses,” leading to significant public outcry.

Tung pointed out a “noticeable trend toward integrating artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones embedded in everyday objects like glasses, headphones, and hats.”

“We must implement measures to ensure this technology is not utilized for monitoring individuals in public areas,” Tung stressed, suggesting that this could entail prohibiting facial recognition of individuals in these settings.

Tung plans to establish a committee of experts to help the government enhance the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.