Norway Considers Stricter Rules for Smart Glasses Over Privacy Concerns
Norway's government is contemplating tighter regulations for smart glasses, including restrictions on functions like facial recognition, due to privacy concerns. The Data Protection Authority urges an urgent assessment.
Norway is moving to implement stricter regulations for smart glasses, with the government considering limitations on features such as facial recognition in public spaces. Minister for Digitalisation and Public Governance Karianne Tung announced that an expert group will be established to examine how to regulate these devices.
The country's Data Protection Authority, Datatilsynet, has formally requested an urgent assessment of whether specific regulations are needed for smart glasses. The authority has proposed measures including restricting usage in sensitive locations like schools, limiting sales, and imposing requirements on the devices' more intrusive functions, such as profiling and biometric identification. They also suggested raising the issue at the European level.
However, the Norwegian government has stated that existing technology-neutral privacy laws already cover smart glasses. Minister Tung indicated that new, separate rules might not be necessary, citing the current legal framework and upcoming EU legislation on AI and digital services. The Ministry of Justice is also reviewing whether current laws provide adequate safeguards.
Smart glasses raise privacy concerns because they can collect data on individuals without their knowledge or consent. Experts have highlighted challenges related to bystander privacy and the difficulty for individuals to grant or deny permission for data collection. Disputes over smart glasses usage have also emerged in India, with reports of individuals being recorded without consent.