Oslo has signalled a tougher stance on smart eyewear, with the Norwegian government announcing plans to introduce stricter rules for devices that combine cameras, microphones, and augmented-reality displays. The move, unveiled on Tuesday, reflects growing unease across Europe about the privacy implications of wearable technology.
Karianne Tung, Norway's Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance, said the current legal framework is no longer sufficient to protect citizens. "We see that people's privacy and data protection are being put under pressure by new technology, so I will therefore regulate smart glasses and similar devices more strictly than today," she said in a statement.
Among the measures under consideration is a ban on using facial recognition on other people in public spaces. Tung added that the ministry would establish an expert group to advise on how best to regulate the technology, ensuring that rules remain adaptable as devices evolve.
Privacy versus accessibility
Smart glasses have become increasingly controversial in recent months. Critics argue that their built-in cameras and microphones enable covert surveillance, eroding the expectation of privacy in everyday settings. The concerns echo broader debates in the EU about data protection and the limits of biometric surveillance, a topic that has also prompted legal action in Germany, where the NGO HateAid has sought a ban on Meta's smart glasses under EU privacy rules.
However, advocates point to the significant benefits for people with disabilities, particularly those who are blind or visually impaired. Smart glasses can assist with navigation, object recognition, and reading text aloud, offering greater independence. Any new restrictions will need to balance these advantages against the risks of misuse.
Norway's move is part of a wider European conversation about the governance of emerging technologies. While the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a baseline, member states are increasingly adopting their own measures to address specific challenges. The Norwegian initiative could set a precedent for other countries in the region, especially as smart glasses become more sophisticated and affordable.
The ministry has not yet set a timeline for the new rules, but it is urging both public and private sector organisations to review their own guidelines in the meantime. "We encourage all actors to consider how they use these devices and to prioritise privacy by design," a ministry spokesperson said.
For now, the debate in Oslo mirrors a broader European dilemma: how to foster innovation while safeguarding fundamental rights. As the technology spreads, the answers found in Norway may well influence policy in Brussels and beyond.
