Could Meta’s ‘pervert glasses’ be banned across the UK? – The Latest
Guardian AU Business
•Fri, 07 Aug 2026 15:41:07 GMT
📰 What Happened
The Guardian's Today in Focus podcast discussed whether Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses could be banned across the UK, after critics labelled them 'pervert glasses'. More than 7 million pairs were reportedly sold in 2025, making them one of the world's most popular new gadgets. Some UK pubs and restaurants, including Wetherspoons, have already banned the technology from their premises over privacy concerns.
🔍 The Backstory
Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses combine camera, audio and AI features in everyday eyewear, and their discreet recording capability has raised privacy concerns about filming without consent. Supporters say they are transforming photography and accessibility, while critics worry about covert surveillance in public and private spaces. The debate has led some hospitality venues to bar them as concern grows about consent and privacy.
🎯 Why It Matters
The episode examines a live privacy and regulatory debate triggered by a wildly popular consumer product that can record surreptitiously. It touches on how wearable technology tests existing privacy and consent norms, and whether venues or regulators step in. For consumers it highlights emerging scrutiny of smart eyewear as adoption grows rapidly across markets including potentially Australia.
The Guardian's Today in Focus podcast discussed whether Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses could be banned across the UK, after critics labelled them 'pervert glasses'. More than 7 million pairs were reportedly sold in 2025, making them one of the world's most popular new gadgets. Some UK pubs and restaurants, including Wetherspoons, have already banned the technology from their premises over privacy concerns.
Meta's Ray-Ban smartglasses combine camera, audio and AI features in everyday eyewear, and their discreet recording capability has raised privacy concerns about filming without consent. Supporters say they are transforming photography and accessibility, while critics worry about covert surveillance in public and private spaces. The debate has led some hospitality venues to bar them as concern grows about consent and privacy.
The episode examines a live privacy and regulatory debate triggered by a wildly popular consumer product that can record surreptitiously. It touches on how wearable technology tests existing privacy and consent norms, and whether venues or regulators step in. For consumers it highlights emerging scrutiny of smart eyewear as adoption grows rapidly across markets including potentially Australia.