Norway proposes temporary ban on AI glasses in certain public areas

The Norwegian government announced on October 5, 2026, that it plans to submit a proposal to parliament for a temporary ban on the use of artificial intelligence glasses in specific public spaces. Minister of Digitalization and Public Governance Torgeir Mikkelsen stated that the measure is a response to growing concerns regarding privacy, specifically the risk that citizens may be photographed, recorded, or audio-taped without their knowledge or consent.

The proposed restrictions are not absolute and will not constitute a universal ban. Instead, they will target locations where privacy is considered a priority. These include schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, youth centers, museums, shopping malls, parks, and beaches. The regulation may also extend to sensitive environments such as medical clinics, hospitals, swimming pools, and changing rooms at gyms. The government is currently evaluating whether to include universities and other higher education institutions in the scope of this legislation.

This move reflects a broader international trend of addressing the privacy implications of wearable technologies equipped with cameras. While the government aims to curb unauthorized data collection, it has clarified that private usage of the technology will remain permitted in appropriate contexts. The proposal is expected to be introduced to the Norwegian Parliament as soon as possible for legislative review.