UK Courts Ban Meta's Smart Glasses

Courts in England and Wales have officially prohibited the use of Meta's 'smart glasses,' citing concerns over their ability to record images and videos. This decision aims to uphold restrictions on capturing visual data within courtrooms.

Justice officials are now empowered to confiscate these devices if found within court premises. The glasses will be returned to their owners only after a court session concludes. This measure follows a similar prohibition enacted by New York courts last month, which also banned the wearable technology.

The ban in the UK comes after a notable incident in January where a judge accused a whistleblower of using smart glasses to receive external 'instructions' during testimony. The judge observed delays in the individual's responses, prompting an order to remove the glasses, which revealed continued audio instructions from a connected mobile device.

Meta's smart glasses, priced at £359 (approximately $420), have faced restrictions in other public venues as well. Some restaurant chains and theaters in the UK have already begun prohibiting their use. These venues cite reasons ranging from protecting customer privacy in dining establishments to safeguarding the intellectual property of performances in theaters.

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There are clear restrictions on taking images and videos within the courts, and that is the reason why Meta's glasses have been banned.