Norway Proposes Temporary Ban on AI Smart Glasses in Sensitive Areas
The Norwegian government announced plans to submit a draft proposal to parliament establishing a temporary ban on AI smart glasses in designated sensitive locations. Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance Torgeir Micaelsen stated the pause will allow an expert group to evaluate privacy risks and formulate long-term regulations. This move highlights increasing government scrutiny over consumer wearable hardware equipped with cameras and AI capabilities. It could serve as a model for other nations seeking to protect public privacy against unauthorized, covert audio and video recording. The ban is planned to cover sensitive spaces including schools, kindergartens, parks, beaches, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, and gym changing rooms. The government is also evaluating the precise scope of hardware to be covered and whether to include higher education institutions.
## BACKGROUND
Smart glasses combine camera sensors, microphones, and AI processing to enable users to record video or analyze their environment hands-free. Because these wearables look similar to standard eyeglasses, they raise significant concerns about covert recording in spaces where individuals expect reasonable privacy.