# Norway proposes temporary ban on AI glasses in public spaces

Digest AI · Policy & Regulation · published 2026-10-05T13:39:30Z · updated 2026-10-05T13:56:03Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/norway-proposes-temporary-ban-on-ai-glasses-in-public-spaces

## Summary

Norway has become the first major country to propose a temporary ban on the use of AI glasses in specific public locations, including parks, beaches, schools, and kindergartens. The center-left government announced on Monday that it will introduce a draft law to parliament soon to address growing privacy concerns. Digitalisation Minister Torgeir Micaelsen stated that the temporary measure is intended to allow for a thorough assessment and informed debate before establishing permanent national rules. He expressed concern that people risk being photographed, filmed, or recorded without their knowledge in places where they expect privacy.

The move follows local reactions, such as bans implemented by schools in Oslo and the oil and gas major Equinor, which has prohibited the devices in its offices and offshore facilities. While the government does not seek a total ban, it aims to prevent scenarios where hidden audio recordings or photography make society feel unsafe. Other jurisdictions, including Australia, are also considering restrictions on smart glasses in certain public spaces.

Despite the regulatory push, US tech companies like Meta, Google, and OpenAI view wearable technology as a potential replacement for mobile phones as the primary gateway to AI. Analysts at Counterpoint Research estimate that consumers will spend more than $1 trillion on wearable devices between 2026 and 2032. However, privacy advocates have criticized the technology, with some dubbing it "pervert technology" due to the risk of non-consensual filming.

## Key points

- Norway proposes a temporary ban on AI glasses in parks, beaches, schools, and kindergartens.
- The government will set up an expert group to propose permanent national rules on wearable tech.
- Counterpoint Research estimates consumers will spend more than $1 trillion on wearables from 2026 to 2032.

## Why it matters

This marks the first major government crackdown on AI wearables, setting a precedent for privacy regulation that could influence global standards and impact the market for smart glasses.

## Sources

1. [AI glasses face their first major government crackdown](https://arstechnica.com/ai/2026/10/ai-glasses-face-their-first-major-government-crackdown) (Ars Technica AI, 2026-10-05)
2. [Norway to Propose Temporary Ban on AI Glasses in Public Places](https://unite.ai/norway-to-propose-temporary-ban-on-ai-glasses-in-public-places) (Unite.AI, 2026-10-05)

## Cite

Digest AI, "Norway proposes temporary ban on AI glasses in public spaces", 5 October 2026, https://digestai.news/story/norway-proposes-temporary-ban-on-ai-glasses-in-public-spaces

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