Norway will propose a temporary ban on AI glasses in places such as hospitals, gyms and schools, but not a total ban

Norway's government said on Monday 5 October that it will propose a temporary ban on AI-enabled glasses in selected places. Fortune, carrying the Associated Press report, says the government stated it was “not proposing a total ban” on AI glasses or other wearable technology, and that it would put the proposal to parliament as soon as possible. The minister responsible is Torgeir Micaelsen, minister of digitalisation and public governance.

The reports name different places. Fortune's AP report names healthcare facilities and fitness centres with changing rooms and showers, and says the ban could also extend to public concerts and sporting events, parks, beaches, museums and shopping centres. The Norwegian broadcaster NRK lists schools, hospitals, shopping centres and parks. NRK also reports that the government will set up an expert group to work on permanent rules.

The government's own announcement on regjeringen.no refused the request from here, so the final list of places and the devices covered are not visible from here.

Camera glasses that can record, recognise and describe what the wearer sees have become a mass-market product in the past year. Norway would be one of the first countries to restrict where they can be worn, rather than relying on general privacy law. Makers of AI glasses, and venues in Norway that would have to enforce a ban, will want the final text.

• Reported The government will propose a temporary ban in selected places and said it was not proposing a total ban. Fortune (Associated Press)
• Reported NRK lists schools, hospitals, shopping centres and parks, and reports an expert group on permanent rules. NRK