Meta · The Guardian Technology
UK cinemas look at banning Meta smart glasses over piracy fears
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Cinemas across the UK are considering banning customers from wearing Meta’s smart glasses amid fears they could be used to pirate films.
Key facts
- The £359 specs, nicknamed “pervert glasses” and “spyware” by critics, are facing a growing backlash, leading to bans at restaurants, theatres, pubs and courtrooms
- ATG Theatres, which owns the Bristol Hippodrome, Edinburgh Playhouse and various theatres across London, has said that filming is not allowed and that those wearing the glasses during shows
- The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) trade body said that several local chains could end up introducing policies that restrict camera-enabled smart glasses at the big screen, adding to a growing list
- Cinemas across the UK are considering banning customers from wearing Meta’s smart glasses amid fears they could be used to pirate films
Summary
The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) trade body said that several local chains could end up introducing policies that restrict camera-enabled smart glasses at the big screen, adding to a growing list of venues concerned about covert use. The £359 specs, nicknamed “pervert glasses” and “spyware” by critics, are facing a growing backlash, leading to bans at restaurants, theatres, pubs and courtrooms. The UKCA said it was not aware of any bans by members to date, but bosses would have to balance their concerns with the potential benefits provided by the AI-enabled technology to customers with accessibility issues. First reported by Sky News, the trade body said: “Cinema operators are aware of the increasing availability and use of wearable technology such as smart glasses and the extent to which these can provide benefits to those with specific access requirements.