UK cinemas begin banning smart glasses due to privacy and piracy concerns
Cinemas across the UK are restricting the use of Meta's smart glasses. The move comes amid growing concerns over privacy and the potential for film piracy.
Cinemas in the United Kingdom are beginning to restrict the use of camera-enabled smart glasses manufactured by Meta Platforms and other tech companies, joining a wider trend of establishments banning the wearable technology.
The UK Cinema Association (UKCA), which represents over 90% of UK cinema operators, stated on Thursday that while smart glasses can offer benefits for accessibility needs, their use in movie theaters raises concerns about "privacy and film piracy."
The association noted that "many" UK cinemas have started implementing policies to prohibit or restrict the wearing of smart glasses as the technology becomes more widely available. This trend is also being observed in other settings such as schools, medical offices, and bathrooms.
Restrictions on smart glasses have also extended to courtrooms. Courts in England and Wales began prohibiting smart glasses last week, with individuals entering judicial buildings seen wearing Meta glasses facing confiscation. This aligns with existing rules against capturing images or videos within court proceedings.
In the U.S., the New York state court system banned smart glasses in all its courts in July. Additionally, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently prohibited its employees from wearing Meta glasses in the federal workplace due to privacy concerns. The UKCA plans to continue working with its members to ensure their approach to the issue remains relevant and proportionate.