ALBAWABA - Courts in England and Wales joined forces with many other private businesses such as restaurants and theatres have declared a ban on Meta’s glasses – confiscating them and handing them back to wearers after they leave the premises.
The move follows New York’s ban on the controversial glasses which have been described as “spyware”, allowing users to record people discreetly and without consent.
A government spokesperson said: “There are clear restrictions on taking images or videos within courts and tribunals which is why the use of Meta glasses is prohibited.”
With one source adding: “Users who bring Meta glasses into courts or tribunals will have them confiscated on entry and they will be returned when the owner leaves the building.”
One notable incident occurred earlier this year when a defendant was accused by a judge of being coached through his questions using his Meta glasses;
The judge said the defendant had been “assisted or coached in his replies to questions put to him during cross examination”. While the defendant denied using the smart glasses along with denying they were connected to his phone.
The main concern behind the Meta glasses is them being used to film people, especially women, without their consent – leading the glasses to be dubbed “pervert glasses”.
Last year Meta sold seven million pairs of the glasses, which cost between $300 and $400.
