Norway Considers Ban on Camera-Enabled Wearables Over Privacy Fears

Proposed Regulation Targets Smart Glasses and Facial Recognition

Norway’s digital minister, Karianne Tung, announced that the government is examining a prohibition on smart glasses and other camera‑enabled wearable headsets. The move follows growing concerns about the privacy impact of devices that can record, connect to the internet, and potentially apply facial‑recognition technology, according to AFP.

Tung described a “clear trend toward combining artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones built into glasses, headphones, hats and other objects we use in everyday life.” She said the equipment must not become a tool for monitoring people in public places, and that the forthcoming rules could outlaw the use of facial‑recognition on bystanders.

Civil‑liberty groups have condemned the gadgets, calling them “pervert glasses” and arguing that they infringe on personal privacy. The label has sparked considerable consumer backlash.

The proposed restrictions would affect products from major tech firms such as Meta and Snap, both of which manufacture camera‑enabled wearables.

Tung plans to convene a panel of experts to advise the government on how to better protect privacy rights.