Vision Australia has criticized the Victorian Government’s decision to ban smart glasses in state schools from 2027, warning that the policy overlooks the needs of blind and low vision students. The organization argues that these devices are vital assistive technologies for independent navigation and classroom participation. Vision Australia specifically objected to a caveat permitting usage only when no other suitable adjustment is available, stating it creates unnecessary hurdles rather than fostering collaborative solutions. Additionally, the group raised concerns about confusion regarding specialist clinical wearables that function similarly to mainstream smart glasses. They expressed disappointment over the lack of prior consultation with the disability community. As the implementation date approaches, eyecare professionals may face increased queries from families, while Vision Australia urges the government to reconsider the blanket ban to ensure essential technologies remain accessible.
The Victorian government announced on October 21 that students in government, Catholic and independent schools must switch off and store smart glasses during school hours starting the 2027 school year. In government schools, teachers, parents and volunteers are prohibited from wearing smart glasses or other covert filming devices on school grounds or at off-site activities at any time, except as a reasonable adjustment for disability. Penalties have not been set. Extending the adult ban to private schools requires legislation after the next state election. The rule covers camera-equipped glasses but names no specific companies or products.
The Norwegian government announced its intention to temporarily ban the use of AI-powered smart glasses in specific public locations, including parks, museums, shopping centers, and schools. Authorities cite concerns that embedded cameras and microphones enable covert recording of individuals without consent. Minister of Digitalization Torgeir Micaelsen stated that the spread of such devices poses a risk of hidden surveillance. The proposed legislation aims to provide time for developing permanent regulations on wearable electronics. While a complete prohibition is not planned, private use will remain permitted with exceptions for people with disabilities who require these devices as assistive technology. The government has not yet defined which specific device categories will be restricted, considering options ranging from camera-equipped glasses to broader wearable classes. Separately, two Socialist Left Party MPs proposed stricter measures banning both use and sales of covert-surveillance wearables. No new bans have entered into force.
The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) issued a statement providing preliminary guidance to users, manufacturers and service providers regarding smart glasses. This action aims to increase awareness about the risks these devices pose. The guidance is preliminary, indicating it has not yet been finalized into binding regulations or completed enforcement measures. The source does not specify particular risk categories, geographic scope beyond the EDPB's jurisdiction, or timelines for final adoption.
On October 13, 2026, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) adopted a reference declaration regarding the impact of smart glasses on privacy. The statement is not a general ban but an explicit warning to manufacturers, retailers, and users. It highlights risks in sensitive environments like schools, healthcare facilities, and workplaces. The EDPB clarifies that while strictly personal use falls under the domestic exception, publishing content or professional use makes the wearer responsible for data processing under GDPR rules. Manufacturers are required to integrate effective visual and audio recording indicators, along with technical safeguards such as automatic blurring and geofencing. For optical retailers, this mandates providing usage advice to customers, including explaining recording indicators, respecting others' privacy, understanding public sharing restrictions, and configuring app settings.
Austria's Federal Administrative Court overturned a Vienna education authority's decision to exclude a pupil from school for wearing Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Gen 2 Custom smart glasses. The judgment, decided on August 3, 2026, found that teacher and classmate unease about potential recording was insufficient grounds for expulsion without evidence of concrete serious misconduct or lasting danger. The court noted no proof of recordings but acknowledged suspicion due to the device's capabilities. The pupil had received medical certification requiring the specific glasses. This case marks the third European jurisdiction this year addressing camera glasses, following proposals for bans in Norway and the Netherlands. The court did not rule on whether smart glasses can ever justify exclusion under statutory conditions.
The Norwegian Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Governance announced plans to rapidly introduce a temporary ban on the use of smart glasses, referred to as AI glasses (KI-briller), in specific public places. This measure is intended to precede the introduction of permanent regulation on wearable technology. The announcement was made by Philip Webster on October 11, 2026. The source does not specify which particular public locations will be affected or provide details on the timeline for implementing the permanent regulations.
Two Dutch parliamentary groups, CDA and PRO, have formally requested that the cabinet push for a European ban on using camera glasses in public spaces. This initiative follows ministers’ September 24 decision to reject binding design rules at the EU level, opting instead to await findings from the European Data Protection Board (EDPB). The requests are part of written consultation inputs published on October 6, not agreed policies. CDA specifically asks for the issue to be raised at the informal EU Telecom Council meeting scheduled for October 12–13. PRO seeks stricter prohibitions on wearing and selling such devices, citing concerns about non-compliance with existing data protection laws. As of October 10, no cabinet response had been published, meaning these proposals remain unanswered questions rather than enacted measures or confirmed diplomatic positions.
On October 5, Norway’s Ministry of Digitalisation and Public Administration announced a proposal to temporarily ban the use of AI glasses in parks, bathing beaches, and museums while drafting permanent legislation. The release presents two inconsistent lists of potential restricted locations; one includes shopping centres and schools, while the other adds amusement parks and swimming pools but omits youth clubs. Neither list is legally binding, and the specific definition of covered devices remains under investigation. Minister Torgeir Micaelsen stated the goal is to prevent non-consensual recording in unobserved spaces. The government clarified this is not a blanket ban, as private use remains legal. No bill has yet been submitted to the Storting, and no penalties or completion dates were specified.
The Norwegian government announced plans to introduce a temporary ban on smart glasses, referred to as 'AI glasses' in official bulletins, in various public locations including parks, beaches, museums, shopping malls, and events. Citing privacy concerns regarding non-consensual filming and audio recording, Minister Torgeir Micaelsen stated the measure aims to facilitate thorough investigation and informed debate for lasting regulation. The proposal is not an outright ban; devices remain permitted for private use and in certain other contexts. Potential extensions under consideration include schools, health institutions with changing rooms, and universities. A special council will examine permanent national regulation of wearable technology. This move follows similar restrictions in US states and cities and sales halts by Dutch retailer Hans Anders due to privacy issues.
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it unlawful to secretly record people using wearable devices. Newsom cited the bill’s imprecise definition of "wearable recording devices" and noted that existing state laws already provide similar protections. The legislation aimed to address concerns over always-listening tech, such as Meta and Snap glasses, by requiring explicit consent for recording in public places. Had it passed, violators faced fines or prison time, and non-compliant manufacturers could also be fined. This move prevents California from becoming the first state to regulate smart glasses usage, a step other countries like Norway are considering.
Health Canada has issued a recall for a brand of AI smart glasses. The provided source material consists solely of a redirect notice to an original article published by Optical Prism Magazine and contains no further details regarding the specific product name, the nature of the safety defect, the scope of the distribution, or consumer remediation steps. Consequently, factual specifics beyond the existence of the regulatory action are unavailable in this text.