Meta glasses court ban sparks privacy warning for City businesses
Meta's AI‑enabled smart glasses have been prohibited from all courthouses in England and Wales, a step that signals fresh privacy and liability concerns for Canadian and U.S. employers as wearable technology becomes commonplace in the workplace.
The ban was confirmed by His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS), which already enforces strict rules against filming inside courtrooms. The decision follows similar actions by the pub chain Wetherspoon, which barred the devices from more than 800 locations.
Earlier this year the UK Information Commissioner's Office intervened after reports that contractors in Kenya had accessed intimate footage captured by users of the glasses, underscoring the potential for cross‑border data breaches.
Manufacturers are seeing strong demand. EssilorLuxottica, the parent of Ray‑Ban, reported sales of over 7 million AI glasses last year, and a partnership with Oakley brought a new model to market in October.
Employment lawyers warn that Canadian firms must review their policies now. Oliver Milton of TWM said employers need to consider how discreet recording devices could expose sensitive or embarrassing material online, and that misuse could trigger disciplinary action up to dismissal.
Milton also noted that smart glasses might be viewed as a reasonable adjustment under the Equality Act 2010, adding another layer of complexity for HR departments.
Meta recently opened a £12 million audio research lab in Cambridge to improve sound capabilities for its AR and AI glasses, indicating the technology will continue to evolve and likely enter more workplaces.
Reporting for CityAM Canada on business and the wider Canadian economy.
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