Courts in England and Wales have banned Meta glasses, which can record video, citing concerns about surreptitious recording and potential contempt of court. Individuals attempting to enter judicial buildings with the devices will have them confiscated.
The ban on Meta glasses in courts highlights growing concerns about privacy and the potential misuse of recording technology in sensitive environments, impacting how individuals interact with emerging wearable technology in public and legal spaces.
Courts in England and Wales have implemented a ban on Meta glasses, joining a growing list of venues, including restaurants, theatres, and pubs, that have restricted the use of the devices due to privacy concerns. The decision by His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (CTS) prohibits individuals from bringing the video-recording smart glasses into any judicial buildings.
According to a CTS spokesperson, the ban is in place because of clear restrictions on taking images or videos within courts and tribunals, which could constitute contempt of court. While smartphones are permitted for entry, they are not to be used for recording court proceedings. Users attempting to enter with Meta glasses will have them confiscated and returned upon departure.
This move follows a similar ban announced by courts in New York, which cited the need to prevent surreptitious recording of proceedings. Meta sold 7 million pairs of its glasses last year, with prices ranging from £269 to £469. The devices have faced criticism and been labelled "spyware" and "pervert glasses" due to fears they could be used to film people without consent. Earlier this year, a claimant in a high court case was accused by a judge of receiving "coaching" through smart glasses while giving evidence, though the claimant denied the allegations.