The UK government is considering measures to restrict the sale of smart glasses after ministers were told the devices are being used to record people without their knowledge, the safeguarding minister said in the House of Commons.
Safeguarding minister Satvir Kaur indicated that officials were looking at options that could include banning sales of the technology "to certain users", framing the proposals as a response to growing anxieties about covert filming of women.
Concerns over surreptitious recording
Smart glasses are wearable devices that can look like ordinary eyewear while including cameras and microphones capable of discreetly capturing video and audio. That capability has prompted privacy and safety worries, with ministers citing instances where recording can be carried out without a subject's awareness.
Government response and unanswered questions
While the minister signalled potential sales restrictions, she did not set out specifics or a timetable for any new rules. Details such as which categories of user might be affected, how compliance would be enforced and what penalties might apply remain to be clarified.
Practical and legal challenges
Any regulatory move would raise practical and legal issues, including how to define prohibited purchasers, how to prevent online cross‑border sales and how measures would interact with existing privacy, consumer and criminal law. Industry stakeholders and civil liberties groups are likely to scrutinise proposals to ensure they do not unduly restrict legitimate uses of the technology.
Next steps
Ministers have yet to publish formal proposals. If the government proceeds, MPs, advisory bodies and potentially legislative processes would be required to shape and implement any restrictions, and debates are expected on how to balance personal safety, privacy and access to emerging technologies.