Norway Plans Temporary Ban on Camera Smart Glasses in Public Places

Places that could be covered

Beyond parks, the list includes beaches, museums, shopping centres and public events. Venues with minors are also in scope: schools, nurseries, playgrounds and youth clubs.

Health and sports facilities are another worry. That could affect medical practices, as well as swimming pools and gyms with changing rooms and showers. The government also plans to examine universities and other higher-education institutions.

Devices and exceptions still undecided

Which devices fall under the rules has yet to be settled. The government will assess whether the ban should cover smart glasses with a camera and sound recording, those with a camera and artificial intelligence, or other body-worn devices with similar features.

The plan leaves room for private use and for places where there is no risk of photos or video being taken without people's consent. Exceptions are foreseen for vulnerable groups and for socially beneficial uses in specific situations. The government has also announced an expert group that will advise on national regulation over the long term.