Several private schools in the UK have enacted bans on Meta glasses, citing concerns that the technology could contribute to bullying and privacy violations. The glasses, developed by Mark Zuckerberg's company, resemble standard sunglasses but are equipped with small cameras that can record video and take photos discreetly.
Schools such as Haberdashers' Boys' School in Hertfordshire and Woodbridge School in Suffolk have announced new policies prohibiting the use of these glasses on school grounds, effective this September. Shrewsbury School in Shropshire also advised parents last year against allowing students to wear the glasses on campus.
In communications to parents, these institutions expressed that the decisions were motivated by worries regarding child safety and privacy. Shrewsbury School stated, "While these developments are exciting, they also raise important questions about privacy and safety in a school environment." The school highlighted that smart glasses could pose risks by allowing users to record or share content without consent.
Woodbridge School has updated its mobile phone policy to include a ban on smart glasses, stating that their use will not be permitted on school grounds by any individuals associated with the school.
Concerns about the potential for bullying have also been noted, with a study in the United States indicating that many videos captured with similar technology involved harassment of students. The trend of banning Meta glasses is not limited to schools; universities, courts, and businesses across Britain have also implemented similar restrictions. For instance, the University of Glasgow has prohibited the glasses during exams, and courts in England and Wales have warned that they will confiscate the glasses from anyone attempting to enter courthouses.
Wetherspoons, a pub chain, has introduced a ban on the glasses, stating that they do not allow filming of customers or employees without consent. Chairman Sir Tim Martin remarked that the glasses appear to breach this code by enabling covert surveillance. He emphasized the importance of privacy in public spaces, likening the issue to the prohibition of audible video playback in pubs.
Despite these concerns, Meta's smart glasses have gained significant popularity, with the company selling seven million pairs last year. The glasses are priced between £247 and £379 and are produced in collaboration with Ray-Ban and Oakley. Competitors, including Apple, are reportedly developing their own camera-equipped devices in response to the demand for such technology. The Daily Mail has reached out to Meta for a comment.