Norway Mulls Restrictions on Camera-Equipped Wearable Glasses Amid Privacy Concerns

Norwegian lawmakers are weighing a proposal that could prohibit or tightly regulate wearable headsets equipped with hidden cameras, a move prompted by growing worries over personal privacy.

The devices, often marketed as hands‑free video recorders, integrate miniature lenses into ordinary‑looking glasses, allowing users to capture video or stream live footage without obvious signs of recording. Critics have dubbed them “pervert glasses” after several high‑profile cases of covert filming in public spaces.

Norway has long been recognized for its robust data‑protection framework, which aligns with the European Union’s GDPR standards. The country has previously tightened rules around hidden cameras after incidents where unsuspecting individuals were filmed in changing rooms and public transport, prompting public outcry and legal action.

Government officials say the current draft legislation would either ban the sale of such devices or require manufacturers to embed clear visual indicators—such as a blinking LED—whenever the camera is active. The proposal also calls for mandatory labeling and a strict age limit for purchasers.

Reactions have been mixed. Privacy advocacy groups applaud the initiative, arguing that unregulated wearables erode the expectation of privacy in everyday settings. Meanwhile, technology firms and some consumer rights advocates warn that overly broad restrictions could stifle innovation and limit legitimate uses, such as hands‑free documentation for professionals.

The proposal is slated for debate in the Storting later this year, with a vote expected before the end of the calendar year. If adopted, Norway’s approach could set a precedent for other European nations grappling with the balance between emerging wearable technology and the right to private life.