UK cinemas are now restricting Meta smart glasses over film piracy concerns - Neowin
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As smart glasses become more popular, privacy concerns about their ability to capture images and videos are also rising. Those privacy issues have now expanded to the cinema industry, prompting some cinema operators in the UK to take action against Meta AI smart glasses and other similar wearables.
According to a recent statement by the UK Cinema Association, cinema operators in the UK are seemingly concerned about the use of camera-enabled wearables for purposes such as film piracy. As a result, some have introduced new policies to ban or restrict wearing camera-enabled smart glasses in venues.
“UK cinema operators are aware of the increasing availability and use of wearable technology such as smart glasses and the extent to which these can provide benefits to those with specific access requirements, the UK Cinema Association said. “However, they are also mindful of the issues around privacy and film piracy that arise around the use of such technology in cinemas, and as a result many are introducing policies to prohibit and/or restrict the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses in particular in their venues.”
Smart AI glasses often feature small cameras that let users record their surroundings. In Meta’s case, the company promotes its smart glasses as a “hands-free camera” that can be activated via a tap or voice commands. These glasses store captured images and videos internally, and users can later import them to a smartphone.
However, privacy concerns about camera-equipped smart glasses are now more prominent than ever. Last month, the New York State Office of Court Administration announced a ban on wearing smart glasses in court buildings because they can capture videos and images and record voices. Courts in England and Wales have also implemented a similar policy regarding Meta smart glasses.
In some cases, camera-enabled smart glasses can also be used to capture conversations and share them online secretly. In a recent case, a TikToker in the UK faced a police investigation for recording his interactions with others and posting videos on TikTok and YouTube. Some of those interactions included making sexualized comments about young women and abusing a Sikh shopkeeper.
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