Norway moves to ban AI smart glasses on beaches amid privacy fears

Norway's government has announced plans to introduce a temporary ban on AI-enabled smart glasses in selected public spaces, including beaches, swimming pools, gyms and changing rooms.

The concern is that devices resembling ordinary spectacles can discreetly photograph, film or record conversations without people realising.

Digitalisation Minister Torgeir Micaelsen warned that people risk being recorded without their knowledge and said the government wants time to examine the technology before establishing permanent regulations.

What is being proposed?

Restrictions on AI camera glasses in public and privacy-sensitive locations.

Additional protections in places frequented by children.

An expert group to investigate longer-term regulations.

Exceptions for certain accessibility and socially beneficial uses.

Importantly, this is a proposal, not a law already in force. The government intends to bring legislation before Norway's parliament.

The technology at issue

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses can contain cameras and microphones built into otherwise ordinary-looking frames. The photograph shows how discreet the recording hardware can be.

Why this matters to naturism

A naturist could be recorded without knowing that someone standing nearby is wearing camera-equipped glasses. That creates obvious concerns about consent, privacy and where photographs might subsequently appear.

It also raises an important question: Should naturist organisations explicitly prohibit camera-equipped eyewear, rather than relying on traditional photography rules?