Meta Accessibility Push and Hardware Updates Meet Regulatory Bans, Sales Halts, and Privacy Scrutiny

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.

Technology portal Cybernews analyzed seven smart glasses manufacturers—Meta, Rokid, RayNeo, INMO, Solos, Even Realities, and Halliday—focusing on app permissions, trackers, and data handling. The study found the Meta AI app requests 70 permissions, including 18 sensitive Android rights for audio, SMS, and external storage. INMO Global and Solos AirGO apps contained six integrated trackers each, while Hi Rokid had none. All seven brands process core AI functions via cloud services rather than on-device. Five manufacturers did not specify concrete data retention periods, and only Meta, Rokid, and Even Realities provided dedicated privacy policies for their glasses. Cybernews confirmed camera-cover protection features only for Meta and Rokid. The analysis highlights transparency differences and potential risks to wearers but does not document specific misuse of personal data.

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.

Hans Anders, one of the Netherlands' largest optical chains, has immediately halted sales of Meta's AI-enabled smart glasses across all Dutch and Belgian stores and its online shop. The decision follows reports of unlawful covert filming and mounting political pressure, including a passed motion in the Dutch lower house calling for a ban. While Pearle Opticiens did not comment, other sectors like hospitals and the defence force are restricting device usage. Hans Anders stated the product might return later but cited serious societal concerns. This move underscores the regulatory and reputational challenges facing optical retailers stocking smart eyewear that blends vision correction with consumer electronics.

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.

Meta has officially announced two new prescription-focused smart glasses, the Ray-Ban Meta Blayzer Optics and Ray-Ban Meta Scriber Optics. Initially reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman following FCC certification filings under codenames Scriber and Blazer, the devices are designed specifically for prescription wearers rather than as sunglasses. The models feature rectangular and rounded styles and will be sold primarily through traditional prescription eyewear channels. Unlike the Meta Ray-Ban Display, these new glasses do not include a display. Key design elements aimed at comfort include overextension hinges, interchangeable nose pads, and optician-adjustable temple tips. While existing Meta smart glasses support prescription lenses, they are often heavier than standard eyewear; the new Optics styles aim to address this with promises of 'all-day comfort'.

Meta and EssilorLuxottica announced two new Ray-Ban Meta Gen 2 styles, Blayzer Optics and Scriber Optics, optimized for prescriptions. These models feature overextension hinges opening 10 degrees wider, interchangeable nose pads, and optician-adjustable temple tips to improve all-day comfort compared to standard sunglasses-focused designs. Technically similar to the existing lineup with 8-hour battery life, they include an additional microphone near the nose pads, totaling six microphones. Preorders opened in the US today starting at $500, with shipping scheduled for April 14, when select international markets will also receive them. Additionally, new colorways were launched for Oakley Meta Vanguard and HSTN, including the first Transitions lens options for Vanguard arriving later this spring.

Meta launched new styles of its displayless Ray-Ban smart glasses this month, stating they are optimized for prescription wearers. The designs feature overextension hinges that open 10 degrees wider than standard to reduce head pressure, interchangeable nose pads for varied nose shapes, and optician-adjustable temple tips. This release contrasts with the Meta Ray-Ban Display, which limits prescription support to +/-4.00 diopters due to waveguide manufacturing constraints. The author notes that while previous VR solutions like lens inserts were stop-gaps, these new glasses aim to accommodate the majority of the population requiring vision correction. Independent verification of comfort claims remains pending until a full review is completed.

Meta announced it will provide free Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses to every legally blind US veteran, an eligible population exceeding 130,000 individuals. The program includes hands-on training via guides, monthly webinars, and in-person events nationwide, facilitated by partnerships with the Blinded Veterans Association and TechSoup. The initiative was championed by Don Overton, a Gulf War veteran who lost his sight. The glasses utilize Meta AI's visual capabilities, including a 'Detailed Responses' accessibility setting designed for vision-impaired users to describe objects and text. Additionally, wearers can access Be My Eyes volunteers for real-time assistance. Eligible veterans can request their pair at bva.org/glasses.

Optical retailer Hans Anders, part of Nexeye Group, has suspended the sale of Ray-Ban Meta glasses across its 776 stores in Europe. The decision follows warnings from the Dutch Data Protection Authority regarding filming identifiable individuals and threats of legal action from consumer group Consumentenbond over recording indicator visibility. This move occurs amid broader European scrutiny, including criminal complaints in Germany involving EssilorLuxottica brands and retailers, usage bans in UK venues, and investigations by French authorities. While Hans Anders cites public and political questions about technology use, analysts note the strategic contrast with competitor Pearle, owned by EssilorLuxottica, which continues to promote these devices alongside new audio-only AI models.

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.