The first national ban on smart glasses could happen soon

Smart glasses are the hot new category that every major tech company is trying to jump on. Just last week, Samsung took one step closer to launching its first effort into the segment. However, as smart glasses continue to inch toward going mainstream, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to look past the growing concerns surrounding the technology, namely privacy. Now, one country is confronting those concerns by taking matters into its hands.

According to The Associated Press, Norway is proposing a temporary ban on smart glasses. This would not be a blanket ban, but rather a ban in certain locations. It’s reported that the country wants the proposal sent to parliament “as soon as possible.”

The report mentions that Norwegian authorities are considering a ban on places where “privacy is particularly important.” Such places would include schools, healthcare facilities, and fitness centers with showers and changing rooms. Areas where children congregate would be of particular focus, including kindergartens, playgrounds, and youth clubs.

It appears that Norway’s government is also considering concerts, sporting events, beaches, museums, parks, and shopping centers. However, special exemptions could be made for vulnerable groups who benefit from using the technology. With the temporary ban in place, it would give the government time to decide which type of devices would be affected and whether permanent regulation is needed.

This is far from the first time legislators have attempted to address the concerns of smart glasses. For example, Illinois lawmakers have recently started making changes to hands-free driving laws, targeting the tech. However, this could be the first national ban we see. This move comes on the heels of a major eyewear retailer in the Netherlands, Hans Anders, deciding to cease sales of smart glasses.