Norway to propose temporary ban on AI glasses in some public places
By Reuters
Published
October 5, 2026
Norway’s government said on Monday it plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of AI glasses in selected places, saying it is concerned people could be photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without their knowledge.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg wears the Meta Ray-Ban Display glasses, as he delivers a speech presenting the new line of smart glasses, during the Meta Connect event at the company’s headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., September 17, 2025 – REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
The proposal mirrors a broader global backlash against smart glasses equipped with cameras over privacy concerns. The ban could apply to places where the public regularly gather, such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres, and public events, the government said in a statement.
“I am worried that new, powerful technology is being introduced where people risk being photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without knowing it,” Digitalisation and Public Governance Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said.
It could also apply to schools, playgrounds, and youth clubs and to privacy-sensitive places such as doctors’ offices, swimming pools, and gyms with changing rooms. The government said it was not eyeing a total ban and that private use, and use where others are not at risk of being filmed without consent, would still be allowed.
It said it would examine which technology the ban would cover, including whether it would apply to glasses with camera and audio recording, glasses with camera and AI functions or also other body-worn technology with camera, audio recording, and/or AI.
The minority government said it would present a bill to parliament as soon as possible, and would also set up an expert group to advise on permanent national regulation of body-worn technology.
