Norway is intensifying efforts to regulate smart glasses technology, focusing on key privacy issues such as public facial recognition. The government will convene an expert group to evaluate appropriate controls while the national data protection agency urges urgent action on potential new laws.
- Expert group to review smart glasses regulation.
- Data Protection Authority calls for urgent legal measures.
- Focus on banning facial recognition in public.
What happened
On August 25, Norway’s Digitalisation and Public Governance Minister Karianne Tung announced plans to establish an expert group tasked with reviewing regulations for smart glasses and similar wearable devices. This step responds to rising privacy concerns around the technology's use in public and workplace settings. The government is encouraging organizations to adopt internal rules for smart glasses use while focusing on restricting specific features such as facial recognition, rather than imposing an outright ban on the devices.
Earlier in August, Norway’s Data Protection Authority (Datatilsynet) formally requested the government to urgently evaluate the necessity and scope of tailored regulations for smart glasses. The agency also recommended several potential measures and suggested a temporary sales suspension if legally feasible. The regulator's director expressed concerns that existing laws are insufficient to address the unique challenges posed by smart glasses.
Why it matters
Smart glasses can capture information about individuals who have not consented to be recorded, raising significant privacy issues especially related to bystanders. Critics highlight that subtle indicators like lights on the glasses may not adequately notify people nearby about ongoing data collection. Furthermore, those recorded often lack meaningful ways to grant or deny permission, complicating control over personal data.
The government maintains that current technology-neutral privacy laws, along with upcoming legislation aligned with the EU's AI Act and Digital Services Act, sufficiently cover the challenges posed by smart glasses. However, the Data Protection Authority disputes this, warning that these frameworks do not fully protect privacy and may need reinforcement. The Justice Ministry also acknowledges the complexity in defining a broad ban due to legitimate uses of smart glasses, noting their similarity to other recording devices such as drones and dashcams.
What to watch next
Norway’s expert group will play a crucial role in shaping the future regulatory landscape for smart glasses. Key points to monitor include whether Norway opts for targeted restrictions like banning facial recognition in public or develops new legal instruments specifically for wearables. The government’s decisions could influence broader European regulation approaches given Norway’s alignment with EU tech policies.
Industry stakeholders and privacy advocates will also watch closely whether Norway pursues temporary sales controls or other enforcement actions while regulations are deliberated. Experiences from jurisdictions such as India, where disputes have already arisen over public smart glasses use, will provide valuable insights into potential regulatory challenges and responses.