Internet giants such as Meta and Google hope that technology once seen only in James Bond films will soon become the next big thing, right under everyone's nose.
With "smart glasses," users can connect to the internet and access all kinds of AI services through simple voice commands, gestures or even blinks.
However, not everyone is keen on the idea - and now Norway could be the first country to take a firm stand.
"I am concerned that new and powerful technology is being introduced where people risk being photographed, filmed or recorded without their knowledge. We will therefore introduce a temporary ban on AI glasses in selected places," says Minister of Digitalisation and Public Administration Torgeir Micaelsen, according to the NTB news agency.
Parks and kindergartens
The proposed ban is to be presented to the Storting (the Norwegian parliament) "as quickly as possible" and apply to places "where the public gathers" and that are considered particularly important to protect.
Initially, three groups of places are listed, according to NTB. The first includes parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres and amusement parks. The second includes playgrounds, schools, kindergartens, after-school clubs and other places where events for children are held. The third includes health and fitness facilities with changing rooms and showers.
Universities, colleges and other educational institutions for adults may also be covered.
“Pushes us away”
The idea is for the temporary ban to remain in effect until an expert group has completed a proposal for more permanent legislation on AI glasses.
The glasses have already been banned locally, for example in Oslo's schools and in offices and facilities at the state-owned energy giant Equinor (formerly Statoil).
Micaelsen says he fears a future society in which people have to worry about constant recording and surveillance.
Such a society can feel unsafe and make us withdraw, Micaelsen warns, according to the Financial Times.
In addition to Norway's planned temporary ban, measures against AI glasses are also being considered or have been introduced in several other countries:
United Kingdom: Smart glasses are not allowed in courts in England and Wales. UK Cinema is considering bans and/or restrictions on them in cinemas.
Australia: A ban on their use in public workplaces is being considered.
USA: Their use is banned in courts in New York. However, proposals to ban them in locker rooms and doctors' offices in California have been shelved, with officials citing existing bans on illegal recordings.
Sources: Reuters , The Guardian .
