California Governor Gavin Newsom recently vetoed a bill that aimed to penalize individuals for using smart glasses to record people without their consent in private spaces like changing rooms and doctor’s offices. The proposed legislation would have required manufacturers of smart glasses and other wearable devices to include a visible indicator of recording by 2028 and prohibited the sale of technology designed to conceal such indicators. Newsom argued that the bill’s definition of a wearable recording device was too broad, noting that existing state laws already prohibit recording without consent in private areas. The bill, authored by State Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes, sought to address the rapid growth of smart glasses technology, such as Meta’s popular Ray-Bans, by enhancing privacy protections. However, TechNet, representing major tech companies, opposed the bill, claiming it was unfair to businesses and consumers. Despite the veto, the debate highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing technological advancement with privacy rights.
QUESTION: How might the increasing use of smart glasses impact privacy expectations in public and private spaces?
This bill on smart glasses just got blocked by California’s Governor Newsom. Here’s why
