Norway debates banning “pervert glasses” with built-in cameras

Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other wearable gadgets with built-in cameras. The government is looking to regulate this controversial technology amid growing concerns over privacy.

The country's digital minister, Karianne Tung, quoted by the AFP news agency, said the authorities intend to restrict the use of camera-equipped wearables — such as the products made by Meta and Snap. Gadgets of this kind come with cameras, are connected to the internet and may soon gain facial-recognition capabilities. That is precisely what has upset rights advocates, who argue the devices intrude on the personal space of those around the wearer. For their intrusiveness they have been dubbed “pervert glasses,” and the wave of consumer outrage has been notable.

According to Tung, there is a “clear trend toward combining artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones embedded in glasses, headphones, headgear and other everyday objects.”

“We must prevent this equipment from being used to surveil other people in public places,” the minister stressed. She added that the regulation could include a ban on recognizing the faces of strangers in public spaces.

To develop measures protecting citizens' right to privacy, Tung plans to set up an expert group that will advise the government.

Source: TechCrunch