Cinema operators across Britain are introducing policies to ban or restrict camera-enabled smart glasses, including Meta’s AI-powered eyewear. The UK Cinema Association said the measures are being introduced because of privacy and film piracy concerns.
The move follows growing scrutiny of smart glasses because of their ability to record images and video. Courts in England and Wales have also prohibited the use of Meta smart glasses this month because of restrictions on taking photographs and recording videos in courtrooms.
Policies will vary between individual venues, with cinema operators choosing to introduce bans or restrictions rather than following a single industry-wide rule.
The UK Cinema Association said operators recognise that smart glasses can offer important benefits to people with specific accessibility requirements.
The association said it would continue working with its members to ensure their policies “remains relevant and proportionate.”
The issue has also attracted attention outside the UK. Earlier in August, a German advocacy group said it had filed a criminal complaint against Meta and other companies involved in selling the devices, citing concerns over privacy laws.
