UK venues ban Meta smart glasses over privacy concerns

A growing number of prominent hospitality and entertainment venues across the United Kingdom have banned Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, citing concerns over unauthorized recording and the privacy of customers and staff. The bans, implemented this week, affect hundreds of locations, from high-end restaurants and private members' clubs to major pub chains and theatres.

The pub chain Wetherspoons, which operates approximately 800 pubs and hotels across the UK and Ireland, confirmed the prohibition. Tim Martin, the company's chief executive, stated that the general code in its pubs prohibits filming customers or employees without their permission. He said Meta glasses appear to breach this code by enabling surreptitious surveillance, leading to the instinct to tell patrons to turn off the cameras. The policy is likened to existing rules against the audible playing of videos in its establishments.

They are joined by several other notable businesses. Celebrated restaurateur Jeremy King, owner of London venues including Simpsons in the Strand, Arlington, and The Park, said guests should not wear the recording-enabled glasses inside. He told The Guardian he would never knowingly allow...