UK cinemas restricting Meta AI and other smart glasses over piracy concerns

Cinema operators in Britain are introducing policies to prohibit or restrict camera-enabled smart glasses, including Meta's AI-powered eyewear, the UK Cinema Association said on ‌Thursday, ⁠citing privacy ⁠and film piracy concerns.

The move follows ​growing scrutiny of smart glasses over their ​recording capabilities, with courts in England and Wales this month prohibiting ​Meta smart glasses because ⁠of restrictions ‌on taking images ​and videos ​in courts.

Policies vary ⁠by venue, with operators introducing prohibitions ​and/or restrictions rather than a ​single industry-wide rule.


The UK Cinema Association said operators recognise smart glasses can provide benefits to those with specific access requirements.

‌The association said it would continue working with members ​to ensure ​their ⁠approach "remains relevant and proportionate."

Elsewhere, a German advocacy group earlier in August said it ​had filed a criminal complaint against Meta and others involved in selling the Meta devices, citing privacy laws.