Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other camera-enabled wearable headsets as it seeks to regulate the technology amid privacy concerns.
Digital minister Karianne Tung said the government is looking to regulate camera-enabled wearables, such as those made by Meta and Snap. These devices are internet-connected and may soon include facial recognition, which has drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who say they intrude on privacy.
Tung noted a "clear trend toward combining artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones built into glasses, headphones, hats and other objects we use in everyday life." She said, "We must prevent this equipment from being used to monitor other people in public places," adding that this may include banning the use of facial recognition of other people in public places.
Tung plans to set up a group of experts to advise the government on better protecting people's privacy rights.