Norway to propose temporary ban on AI glasses in some public places

Norway's government said on Monday it plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of ​AI glasses in selected places, saying it is concerned ‌people could be photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without their knowledge. The proposal mirrors a broader global backlash against smart glasses equipped with cameras ​over privacy concerns Ban could apply to places where the public ​regularly gather, such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping ⁠centres and public events, the government said in a ​statement "I am worried that new, powerful technology is being introduced ​where people risk being photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without knowing it," Digitalisation and Public Governance Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said. Read More: LISA teams up with Meta for exclusive smart glasses collection It could also apply ​to schools, playgrounds and youth clubs and to privacy-sensitive ​places such as doctors' offices, swimming pools and gyms with changing rooms The ‌government ⁠said it was not eyeing a total ban and that private use, and use where others are not at risk of being filmed without consent, would still be allowed It ​said it ​would examine which ⁠technology the ban would cover, including whether it would apply to glasses with camera ​and audio recording, glasses with camera and ​AI functions ⁠or also other body-worn technology with camera, audio recording and/or AI The minority government said it would present a bill to ⁠parliament ​as soon as possible, and would ​also set up an expert group to advise on permanent national regulation ​of body-worn technology.