Meta Smart Glasses Banned from Courts in England, Wales Over Recording Concerns
Meta Smart Glasses Banned from Courts in England, Wales Over Recording Concerns
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Courts in England and Wales have banned Meta smart glasses from judicial buildings due to concerns over unauthorized recording of court proceedings and privacy violations.
His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) said the glasses, which can record video while being worn, are prohibited because taking images or videos inside courts without permission is not allowed. Anyone entering court buildings with the glasses will have them confiscated and returned upon departure.
The move follows similar restrictions introduced in other jurisdictions, including New York courts, amid growing concerns that smart glasses could be used to secretly record people. Several restaurants, theatres, and pubs in the UK have also introduced bans over privacy fears.
The concerns increased after an incident in which a High Court judge questioned whether a witness had used smart glasses to receive assistance during testimony, an allegation the individual denied.
Meta has stated that the glasses display a visible light when recording and include technology designed to prevent users from disabling the recording indicator. The company declined to comment specifically on the court ban.
