The Norwegian government announced today that it plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of artificial intelligence glasses (AI) in certain areas, citing concerns that citizens could be photographed, videotaped, or recorded without their knowledge.
The proposal reflects a broader international backlash against “smart” glasses equipped with cameras due to concerns about privacy.
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The ban may apply to places where people gather, such as parks, beaches, museums, shopping malls, and public events, the government said in a statement.
“I am concerned that new, powerful technology is being introduced in places where there is a risk that citizens could be photographed, videotaped, or recorded without their knowledge,” said Torgeir Mikkelsen, Minister of Digitalization and Public Administration.
It could also be implemented in schools, playgrounds, and youth centers, as well as in places where privacy protection is particularly important, such as doctors’ offices, swimming pools, and gyms with locker rooms.
The government stated that it is not considering a blanket ban and that private use will continue to be permitted, as will use in places where other citizens are not at risk of being filmed without their consent.
It stated that it will examine what types of technology the ban will cover, including whether it will apply to glasses equipped with a camera and audio recording system, glasses with a camera and AI functionality, or also to other wearable “body-mounted” systems with a camera, audio recording system, and/or AI.
The minority government stated that it will present the relevant bill to Parliament as soon as possible and that it will establish a group of experts to advise on a permanent regulatoryfor such wearable technology systems.
Source: CNA
