Key facts
- Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and camera-enabled wearable headsets.
- The move is driven by privacy concerns and the potential misuse of facial recognition technology.
- Digital Minister Karianne Tung aims to prevent monitoring of individuals in public spaces.
- An expert group will be formed to advise the government on privacy protection measures.
- The Norwegian Consumer Council urged retailers to stop selling smart glasses.
Norway is exploring a ban on smart glasses and other wearable devices equipped with cameras, citing significant privacy concerns. Digital Minister Karianne Tung indicated that the government is looking to regulate this technology, which includes internet-connected wearables that may soon incorporate facial recognition capabilities. These devices have drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who argue they infringe upon personal privacy, with some critics referring to them as “pervert glasses.”
Tung highlighted a growing trend of integrating artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones into everyday objects like glasses, headphones, and hats. "We must prevent this equipment from being used to monitor other people in public places," Tung stated, adding that this could extend to prohibiting the use of facial recognition technology in public areas.