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

British cinema operators have adopted measures to ban the use of camera-enabled smart glasses, such as Meta's artificial intelligence-enabled eyewear, according to the UK Cinema Association, which made the statement yesterday, citing privacy and ​film piracy reasons.

The step comes after increasing scrutiny on the use of smart glasses due to their recording capabilities, following the English and Welsh courts' decision not to allow Meta smart glasses in courtrooms due to restrictions on filming within the courts.

The policy varies from place to place, as some cinemas are adopting prohibition and/or restriction policies rather than implementing a standard across the industry.

According to the UK Cinema Association, cinema operators acknowledge that smart glasses can be helpful to people who need access to the facilities.

The association added that it would continue cooperating with its members to make sure that its policy "​remains relevant and proportionate."

In Germany, an advocacy group filed a criminal complaint against Meta and other entities for selling Meta devices, citing privacy laws.