Norway’s government plans to propose a temporary ban on the use of AI-powered glasses in certain public places amid concerns that people could be photographed, filmed or recorded without their knowledge, according to a report by Reuters.

The proposed restrictions could apply to locations where large numbers of people regularly gather, including parks, beaches, museums, shopping centres and public events.

Schools, playgrounds and youth clubs could also be covered by the proposed ban, along with privacy-sensitive locations such as doctors’ offices, swimming pools and gyms with changing rooms.

Norway’s Digitalisation and Public Governance Minister Torgeir Micaelsen said the government was concerned about the rapid introduction of powerful new technology that could allow people to be photographed, filmed or audio-recorded without being aware of it.

However, the government is not seeking a complete ban on AI glasses. Private use and use in situations where other people are not at risk of being recorded without their consent would continue to be permitted.

According to Reuters, the government will also examine exactly which devices should be covered by the restrictions. This could include glasses equipped with cameras and audio-recording capabilities, AI-enabled camera glasses and potentially other body-worn technology featuring cameras, microphones or artificial intelligence functions.

The move comes amid growing international concerns over the privacy implications of smart glasses equipped with cameras and other recording technology.

Norway’s minority government intends to present legislation to Parliament as soon as possible. It will also establish an expert group to advise authorities on permanent national regulations governing body-worn technology. (Newswire/ Reuters)

The post Norway to propose temporary ban on AI glasses in some public places appeared first on Newswire.

Meta Platforms and EssilorLuxottica on Tuesday announced a new range of lower-cost AI smart glasses, building on the success of their Ray-Ban wearable devices.

The new Meta Glasses start at $299, making them far more affordable than the $800 Ray-Ban Display glasses launched last year.

The Facebook parent has invested billions of dollars in its pursuit of “personal intelligence”, betting that advanced gadgets and electronics would bring the benefits of AI to individual users.

Although built in collaboration with Luxottica, the new range of glasses are the first to not be associated with any of the eyewear firm’s popular brands such as Ray-Ban or Oakley.

The glasses come in new colors and shapes, including a rectangle look, and a slim oval frame collection designed in partnership with media personality Kylie Jenner.

The devices are also the first AI glasses from Meta to launch with Meta AI powered by Muse Spark, the first model out of the company’s Superintelligence Labs.

The success of Meta’s glasses has spurred other tech companies such as Google and Apple to explore the development of similar devices.

Global smart glass shipments reached 9.6 million units last year, with Meta accounting for about 76.1 per cent of the total, according to the International Data Corporation.

The Meta Glasses announcement comes a week after Snapchat owner Snap launched a pair of augmented-reality glasses at a hefty price of $2,195. However, Snap’s glasses overlay digital content onto a user’s real-world view while Meta’s glasses allow display for text and AI interaction. (Reuters)

The post Meta launches cheaper range of AI smart glasses starting at $299 appeared first on Newswire.