Norway weighs tighter smart-glasses rules over privacy concerns

Norway is considering tighter restrictions on smart glasses and other camera-equipped wearables as officials confront the privacy risks of discreet recording and artificial intelligence.

Karianne Tung, the country’s minister of digitalisation and public governance, said the government wanted stronger regulation as cameras and microphones become embedded in glasses, headphones and other everyday devices. The concern extends beyond recording itself to surveillance and facial recognition.

The proposals do not amount to a blanket ban on smart glasses. One measure under consideration would prohibit functions such as facial recognition when users deploy them to identify other people in public spaces.

Products from companies including Meta and Snap have helped make camera-equipped eyewear increasingly common. Privacy campaigners have warned that the devices can make it difficult for bystanders to know when they are being filmed or analysed.

The government plans to establish an expert group to advise on regulation and privacy protections for wearable technology. It has not yet announced draft legislation, an implementation date or an enforcement framework.

“

The government wants stronger regulation as artificial intelligence is increasingly combined with cameras and microphones embedded in glasses, headphones and other everyday devices.