Norwegian government proposes temporary ban on AI-enabled glasses in public spaces

Four weeks into his tenure, Digitalisation and Administration Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said the government will introduce a provisional ban on AI-enabled glasses in places frequented by the public, aiming to protect privacy and children. Targeted venues cover outdoor areas like parks, beaches, museums and malls, as well as indoor sites such as playgrounds, schools, kindergartens, sports clubs and health-care facilities with locker rooms.

The proposal allows for exemptions for vulnerable populations and limited societal applications. A specialist working group is being formed to develop a lasting regulatory framework for the technology. The move follows calls from several parties, the Data Protection Authority and private firms such as DNB and Equinor, which have voiced security concerns.