Privacy fears push vacation spot to consider ban on favorite accessory for travelers

Travelers could face new restrictions on smart glasses in one popular European destination.

The government of Norway plans to propose a temporary ban on AI-enabled glasses in certain public places, according to a press release from the Norwegian Ministry of Digitalization and Public Governance.

The restrictions could apply to places that travelers regularly visit — including beaches, parks, museums, shopping centers and public events, the press release said.

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Smart glasses can be equipped with cameras and microphones capable of taking photos and recording video or audio.

Norwegian officials said they are concerned the technology could allow people to be recorded without realizing it.

"We do not want a society where people are concerned about hidden sound recordings, photography and filming in places and in situations where they are used to being without being monitored," said Torgeir Micaelssen, minister of Digitalization and Public Administration.

The proposed restrictions are not yet in effect. The government plans to bring legislation before Norway's parliament, known as the Storting, as soon as possible.

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Officials are still determining exactly which devices and locations would be covered, including whether the rules would apply only to AI-enabled glasses or to other wearable technology capable of recording, the press release noted.

The government said it is not seeking a complete ban on smart glasses. 

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The devices could still be used privately and in certain settings where other people are not at risk of being recorded without their consent.

The proposal comes as privacy concerns surrounding smart glasses are also being debated in the United States.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently vetoed legislation that would have penalized people for using smart glasses to record others without permission in places such as changing rooms and doctors' offices, according to The Associated Press (AP).

The measure also would have required smart glasses and other wearable recording devices beginning in 2028 to include a light or another feature signaling when audio or video was being captured, the AP reported.

Newsom said the bill's definition of a wearable recording device was too general. 

He also noted that California already has laws prohibiting people from recording others without permission in places where privacy is generally expected, according to the AP.

Under the proposed legislation, people who secretly recorded someone in covered circumstances could have faced fines of up to $1,500 or possible prison time.

Companies selling devices that failed to comply with the proposed requirements could have faced fines of up to $2,500. 

The Associated Press contributed reporting.