Multiple UK venues ban Meta's smart glasses over privacy concerns
Published: 06/08/2026
| The Guardian
Meta has faced backlash in the UK over its £359 smart glasses, as multiple venues have banned the devices to safeguard customer and staff privacy. Despite global sales surpassing 7 million units, concerns persist about surreptitious recording and non-consensual filming.
Leading establishments, including celebrated restaurateur Jeremy King's venues, Soho House private members' clubs, ATG Theatres, and pub chain JD Wetherspoon, have banned filming with the glasses.
The bans follow numerous reports of non-consensual recordings being posted online. Meta defended the product, claiming that its privacy features, including an unalterable LED light that flashes during recording and disables the camera if covered, are baked in.
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