Norway Weighs Smart Glasses Ban Over Public Surveillance Fears
Norway weighs banning public facial recognition through Meta and Snap smart glasses as privacy fears spur plans for stricter expert led wearable rules.
Summary
Norway is considering banning or regulating smart glasses and other camera enabled wearable headsets, including devices made by Meta and Snap. Digital Minister Karianne Tung said on September 2, 2026, that internet connected wearables increasingly combine artificial intelligence, cameras and microphones, while facial recognition may soon expand their surveillance capabilities. Civil liberties advocates say the devices violate privacy, fueling consumer backlash and the label “pervert glasses.”
Tung wants to prevent wearables from monitoring people in public places. Measures could include banning facial recognition used on others in public, although the government has not detailed the scope or timing of any restrictions. Tung plans to establish an expert group to recommend stronger protections for privacy rights as similar technology spreads into glasses, headphones, hats and other everyday objects.
Positives
- Karianne Tung plans to establish an expert group to recommend stronger privacy protections.
- Norway may ban facial recognition used to identify other people in public places.
- Proposed regulation aims to address wearable surveillance before artificial intelligence and facial recognition become more widely integrated.
Risks & concerns
- Meta and Snap wearables combine cameras and internet connectivity, creating opportunities for discreet monitoring.
- Artificial intelligence, cameras and microphones are spreading into glasses, headphones, hats and other everyday objects.
- Facial recognition could expand the ability of wearable devices to identify and track people in public.
- Civil liberties advocates warn that camera enabled wearables intrude on privacy, fueling consumer backlash.
- Norway has not specified the scope, timing or final form of its proposed restrictions.