Oslo – The Norwegian cabinet announced Monday that it will draft legislation to temporarily bar the use of AI‑enabled smart glasses in a range of public locations. Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Torgeir Micaelsen said the move is intended to protect citizens from being photographed, filmed or audio‑recorded without their knowledge.
Scope of the proposed ban
The draft measure would apply to places where crowds gather regularly, including parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres and public events. It would also extend to schools, playgrounds, youth clubs and privacy‑sensitive sites such as doctors’ offices, swimming pools and gyms with changing rooms.
What would remain allowed
Officials stressed that the proposal is not a total prohibition. Private use of the devices, and use in situations where no other person is at risk of being recorded without consent, would still be permitted. The government said it will define precisely which technologies fall under the ban, considering devices that combine cameras, audio recorders and AI functions, as well as other body‑worn technology with similar capabilities.
Legislative process and expert input
The minority government said it will present the bill to the Storting as soon as possible and will establish an expert panel to advise on permanent national regulation of body‑worn technology. The panel is expected to examine privacy implications, technical standards and enforcement mechanisms.
International context
Norway’s proposal mirrors a growing global backlash against smart glasses equipped with cameras, as privacy advocates in several countries warn that the devices could enable covert surveillance in everyday settings. While some jurisdictions have opted for voluntary guidelines, Norway appears poised to take a more direct regulatory approach, at least on a temporary basis.
Critics argue that a ban could stifle innovation and limit legitimate uses of wearable technology, such as hands‑free navigation or accessibility tools for people with disabilities. The government, however, maintains that safeguarding personal privacy must come first, especially while the technology’s societal impact is still being assessed.
Public reaction to the announcement has been mixed. Privacy groups have welcomed the precautionary step, whereas industry representatives have warned that overly broad restrictions could hinder Norway’s competitiveness in the emerging wearable‑tech market.
As the debate unfolds, the government says it will monitor the effectiveness of the temporary ban and consider longer‑term solutions based on the expert panel’s recommendations and any emerging evidence of privacy violations.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
