UK cinemas consider banning Meta smart glasses over piracy fears

These glasses, which cost £359, have faced criticism and been labeled "pervert glasses" and "spyware," leading to bans in various establishments including restaurants, theatres, pubs, and courtrooms. While the UKCA is not aware of any official bans by its members yet, operators are weighing the potential benefits for customers with accessibility needs, such as providing bespoke subtitles for those with visual or hearing impairments, against the risks of privacy violations and piracy.

Meta has stated that the glasses feature a small, flashing LED light to indicate when filming is in progress and employs tamper detection technology. However, reports of individuals being filmed without consent persist, fueling piracy concerns for cinemas. Other entertainment sector chains, such as ATG Theatres, have already implemented rules against filming during shows and may require users to remove smart glasses. Tim Martin, CEO of Wetherspoons, also expressed concerns about surreptitious surveillance enabled by the glasses, aligning with pub policies against filming customers or employees without permission.

A Meta spokesperson emphasized that the glasses are designed to be helpful for various functions like music, translation, and calls, and are crucial for the blind and low-vision community. They argued that limiting their use would be a significant setback and that while some locations should not be filmed, rules should be applied consistently. The spokesperson also highlighted that the glasses' recording light is a feature not present on smartphones or other cameras.