Norway Considers Ban on Camera Smart Glasses Over Privacy

NORWAY CONSIDERS REGULATORY BAN ON CAMERA-ENABLED WEARABLE DEVICES Norway is evaluating legislative measures to restrict camera-enabled wearable technology, including smart glasses and headset accessories, citing escalating privacy concerns and public backlash. Digital Minister Karianne Tung confirmed that government officials are reviewing regulatory frameworks for internet-connected wearables manufactured by companies such as Meta and Snap. These devices, which increasingly integrate high-resolution cameras, directional microphones, and nascent facial recognition software, have drawn criticism from civil liberties advocates who characterize them as invasive surveillance tools. Minister Tung emphasized that policymakers must prevent the deployment of such equipment for unauthorized monitoring in public spaces. Proposed regulatory actions may explicitly outlaw the use of facial recognition technology on unidentified individuals outdoors. To guide the development of these safeguards, the ministry will establish a dedicated expert advisory group tasked with evaluating privacy risks and recommending robust data protection standards for emerging wearable technologies. The initiative aligns with a broader European regulatory strategy focused on establishing technical and legal guardrails around AI-driven monitoring tools before their widespread commercial integration. This proactive approach signals a decisive shift in Nordic tech policy, prioritizing digital civil rights amid rapid hardware innovation.