Placing a ‘ban’ on Meta Ray-Bans: the United Kingdom is considering imposing restrictions on the sale of smart glasses since ‘the government is already studying options’ to stop women’s secret filming
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- The UK is the latest country to consider restricting the use and sale of smart glasses
- Protection Minister Satvir Kaur said that “the government is studying options to restrict smart glasses in certain settings and restrict sale to certain users.”
- During a debate about the technology, concerns were raised about discreet filming of women and girls.
As smart glasses adoption increases around the world, so do restrictions and bans on the technology by companies and governments alike. Australia has banned the technology in public spaces such as swimming pools, gyms and government buildings, and now the UK government is also considering implementing restrictions.
The devices have become unpopular in many circles, even earning the nickname “kinky glasses” after some men began using them to secretly film women and girls, then posting the captured videos online. Some private companies, such as the British bar chain Wetherspoons, have also banned the use of these devices.
In a Westminster Hall debate titled “Smart glasses and violence against women and girls”, UK Safeguarding Minister Satvir Kaur said (as reported by the guardian): “The benefits of smart glasses must be weighed against the harm they can cause. The government is already exploring options to restrict smart glasses in certain environments and restrict their sale to certain users.”
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This could be similar to Australia’s ban on the use of this technology in public spaces. Kaur also highlighted that “other settings, such as healthcare and education, have professional or protective policies that are relevant to smart glasses and any type of digital recording.” Kaur seemed to be hinting that where there are already limitations on recording on smartphones, this would extend to smart glasses and similar technology, but we could also see broader rules specific to smart glasses in the future.
Anna Sabine, the Liberal Democrat MP who opened the debate, reportedly said: “Women report waking up after a night out to find that videos of themselves have gone viral online, filmed without their knowledge or consent by men wearing smart glasses… not only do these devices have the potential to erode safety and privacy in public spaces, they raise really important questions about consent.”
Analysis: More restrictions will surely follow
Kaur also highlighted the useful aspect of smart glasses, such as helping visually or hearing-impaired people understand their surroundings. For those people, he said, “smart glasses have been a game-changer, helping them navigate the world around them.”
Our writer Kevin Lynch, who is hearing impaired, reviewed Nuance Audio’s smart specs equipped with directional microphones and said they were “really impressive.” Any incoming legislation is likely to allow this use.
However, harmful uses of smart glasses cannot be avoided either. A secondary cottage industry has emerged online of Amazon sellers selling black stickers, the size of which cover the LED recording light, or offering to pierce it completely. This is all to allow people to record footage without others knowing they are doing it.
With the invasive potential of smart glasses to target women and post the images online, companies like Meta are left with a clear stigma that they will have to get rid of before smart glasses can be considered interesting.
Paris prosecutors have also opened investigations into sexual harassment crimes linked to smart glasses, according to the French national newspaper. the world. I predict that Australia will not be the only country to adopt legislation restricting the sale or use of smart glasses in 2027.
Do you think smart glasses should be banned or should we have the freedom to record wherever we want? Have your say in our survey below.
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