UK government considers banning smart glasses over privacy concerns

The UK government is considering restricting the sale and use of smart glasses amid growing concerns that the wearable technology is being deployed to film women and girls without their consent.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Safeguarding Minister Satvir Kaur confirmed that ministers are looking at options to prohibit the devices in specific environments and limit sales to certain consumer groups. Kaur noted that recording with smart glasses already risks violating existing laws in prohibited venues such as courts, while NHS England and the Department for Education (DfE) are examining sectoral policies governing wearable digital recording devices within healthcare and educational settings. The minister stressed that any potential restrictions must balance privacy harms against accessibility benefits, acknowledging the technology aids visually impaired individuals.

The parliamentary debate was introduced by Liberal Democrat MP Anna Sabine, who warned that advertising campaigns promoting discreet recording are driving non-consensual filming of women in public spaces and eroding basic privacy. Sabine is calling for the government to act now before it's too late. 

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