By Ahmed Abdelsalam
The UK government is considering restrictions on smart glasses amid concerns the technology is being used to surreptitiously film women, Safeguarding Minister Satvir Kaur told the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Minister Hints at Sales Ban for Certain Users
Kaur said the government is weighing the benefits of smart glasses against potential harms and is looking into options to restrict their use in certain settings and limit sales to certain users. She noted that people who use smart glasses for filming already risk breaking the law in places where cameras are prohibited, such as courts.
Privacy Concerns Raised in Commons Debate
Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine, who secured the debate, said women have reported waking up after nights out to find videos of themselves filmed without their knowledge or consent by men wearing smart glasses. Sabine warned that the devices erode safety and privacy in public spaces and raised questions about consent.
Benefits for Visually Impaired Noted
Kaur acknowledged that smart glasses can be hugely beneficial, citing their role as a gamechanger for visually impaired people in navigating the world. NHS England and the Department for Education are also examining wearable technology in healthcare and education settings.
Politician Defends Use in Senedd
Reform UK MS Jason O’Connell recently used smart glasses with a built-in teleprompter to deliver a speech in the Senedd debating chamber, saying the device helped him avoid looking down at notes.
