Norway Could Become First Country to Ban Smart Glasses in Public Spaces

Norway could become the first country in the world to prohibit the use of smart glasses in public places, as the government weighs new restrictions driven by mounting privacy and surveillance concerns.

The push for a ban stems from the devices' ability to record video of people without their consent, recognize faces using artificial intelligence, and track individuals without their knowledge. These capabilities have raised alarms about covert surveillance in spaces where people typically expect a reasonable degree of privacy and anonymity.

In response, the Norwegian government has established a working group to examine the issue and develop policy recommendations. The move signals Oslo's intent to address the legal and ethical challenges posed by wearable recording technology before such devices become widespread in everyday life.

If enacted, the measure would mark a global first and could set a precedent for how democracies regulate AI-enabled wearables, balancing technological innovation against fundamental rights to privacy and personal security in public spaces.