The Norwegian government plans to propose a temporary ban on AI-enabled smart glasses in specific public locations, citing concerns over unauthorized surveillance. The Ministry of Digitalization and Public Governance outlined the proposal in a press release, identifying beaches, parks, museums, shopping centers, and public events as potential restricted areas.
Officials stated that the restrictions target devices equipped with cameras and microphones capable of recording audio or video without the subject's knowledge. Torgeir Micaelssen, minister of Digitalization and Public Administration, emphasized that the government does not want a society where individuals fear hidden monitoring in places where they are accustomed to privacy. The proposed legislation is not yet in effect; the government intends to bring the bill before the Storting, Norway's parliament, as soon as possible.
The scope of the ban remains under review. The ministry is still determining whether the rules will apply exclusively to AI-enabled glasses or extend to other wearable technology capable of recording. The government clarified that it is not seeking a complete prohibition on smart glasses. Devices may still be used in private settings or in contexts where others are not at risk of being recorded without consent.
This proposal mirrors a recent debate in the United States regarding privacy and wearable recording devices. California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed legislation that would have penalized individuals for using smart glasses to record others without permission in sensitive locations, such as changing rooms and doctors' offices. The rejected measure also proposed requiring smart glasses and other wearable recording devices to include a visible light or feature signaling when audio or video capture was active, effective from 2028.
According to The Associated Press, Newsom cited the bill's broad definition of a wearable recording device as a primary reason for the veto. He noted that California already has laws prohibiting non-consensual recording in areas where privacy is generally expected. Had the measure passed, individuals secretly recording others in covered circumstances could have faced fines of up to $1,500 or potential prison time. Companies selling non-compliant devices could have faced fines of up to $2,500.