Norway Considers Prohibiting ‘Pervert Glasses’ with Camera Technology

Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other wearable headsets that come equipped with cameras, in an effort to regulate this controversial technology due to privacy concerns.

As stated by Karianne Tung, Norway’s digital minister, the government is looking into methods to manage the use of wearable devices with cameras, including those made by Meta and Snap. These devices can connect to the internet and may soon feature facial recognition technology, which has raised alarms among civil liberties groups that claim such gadgets infringe on individual privacy. Critics have referred to them as “pervert glasses,” resulting in considerable pushback from the public.

Tung observed a “clear trend toward integrating artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones embedded in glasses, headphones, hats, and other common items.”

“We must implement measures to prevent this technology from being used to monitor people in public places,” Tung asserted, also indicating that this might mean banning the facial recognition of individuals in such settings.

Tung plans to assemble a panel of experts to assist the government in enhancing the protection of individuals’ privacy rights.