Norway seeks temporary ban on AI glasses in crowded places
The government wants to restrict the camera and recording functions of smart glasses in parks, museums, shopping centres and at events.
The Norwegian government wants to propose a temporary ban on the use of AI glasses in certain public places. The reason is concern that people may be filmed, photographed or recorded without their knowledge.
The proposal comes from Norway’s Ministry of Digitalisation and Governance. It would apply in places where large numbers of people regularly gather, such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres and public events. The government describes it as a temporary measure to buy time for broader rules.
AI glasses allow users to take photos and videos without visibly holding up a phone. Some models also have microphones and software that analyses images or conversations using artificial intelligence. As a result, bystanders may not know whether they are being recorded or what happens to the data.
The proposal is not yet a ban. The Norwegian government still has to work out the precise legal text and submit it to parliament for consideration. It is also not yet clear exactly which glasses or functions would fall under the measure, or what exemptions for journalism, art or emergency assistance would look like.
Norway has been working on stricter rules for smart glasses for some time. In August, Digitalisation Minister Karianne Tung called on organisations to draw up guidelines for using such devices in workplaces and public buildings. The new proposal is more specific and focuses on crowded locations.
For technology companies, this means that privacy rules will apply not only to apps and websites. Manufacturers and sellers may face restrictions by country, location or function. The combination of a camera, microphone and automated image analysis in particular makes the legal assessment more complicated than for an ordinary pair of glasses.
The Norwegian government presents the plan as protecting the privacy of bystanders. Critics may counter that existing rules on filming, personal data and public order should already be enforced. The core of the debate is therefore not only whether AI glasses are useful, but also whether bystanders can reasonably know when they are being recorded.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- The Norwegian government wants to propose a temporary ban on AI glasses in certain crowded public places.
- The proposal is prompted by concerns about covert recordings.
- The legal scope and exemptions have not yet been worked out.
Left
Arguments Bystanders should not become unwilling participants in commercial or automated data collection. A temporary ban gives the government room to address privacy and power-related questions first.
Values Privacy, protection of citizens and oversight of technology companies.
Consequences The measure could protect trust in public spaces, but it could also affect useful applications in journalism or accessibility.
Centre
Arguments Targeted rules for recording functions and clear signals that filming is taking place are likely to be easier to implement than a ban on an entire product category. The law should be technology-neutral and enforceable.
Values Proportionality, legal certainty and innovation under conditions.
Consequences A precise framework takes more time, but prevents arbitrariness and could be applied in multiple countries.
Right
Arguments Existing privacy and criminal-law rules should be enforced first before a new category of prohibition is created. Citizens and businesses should not be restricted collectively because of possible misuse by a few.
Values Freedom, entrepreneurship and limited government power.
Consequences Fewer new rules may accelerate innovation, but bystanders may face unclear recording practices for longer.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The proposed measure and the locations mentioned were confirmed by the Norwegian government and Reuters. The text makes clear that this is a proposal whose legal details have not yet been finalised.
- confirmed Norway wants to propose a temporary ban on AI glasses in certain public places. — Confirmed in the official Norwegian press release and by Reuters. source
- confirmed The proposal could apply to parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres and public events. — These examples appear in Reuters’ account of the government proposal. source
- confirmed The proposal is not yet an enacted ban. — The source refers to a plan to submit a proposal. source
- confirmed Norway had already been working on stricter rules for smart glasses. — Confirmed by an earlier government statement from August 2026. source
- confirmed AI glasses can combine cameras, microphones and image analysis. — Reuters’ reporting describes the privacy concerns surrounding these functions. source
Editor's note
This concerns an announced bill, not an enacted ban. At the time of publication, its precise scope, exemptions and enforcement were not yet known.Sources
- Vil innføre midlertidig forbud mot KI-briller — Regjeringen.no
- Norway to propose temporary ban on AI glasses in some public places — Reuters via Internazionale
- Tung vil ha strengere regulering av smartbriller — Regjeringen.no
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