Meta AI Glasses spark tech event bans debate

Meta's AI Glasses have sold more than 7 million pairs in 2025, but the smart spectacles are now at the center of a debate over whether tech events should ban them. Critics label them "pervert glasses" over reports of wearers covertly recording women without consent, according to a report from Sifted.

A small light flashes on the frames during recording. Meta states it designed the glasses with built-in privacy and safety features. Despite this, an online petition in the UK and Ireland has gathered thousands of signatures calling for a ban. UK cinemas are reportedly considering a ban over piracy, and pub chain Wetherspoons has effectively banned recording with the glasses in its venues.

Security and cultural concerns

The annual hacker convention Defcon in Las Vegas has already banned the glasses. Madeline Lawrence, cofounder of cybersecurity firm Aikido Security, notes the specs are "very controversial in cyber land." She cites security concerns about how the glasses capture, store, and potentially leak data. Lawrence adds that the cybersecurity community's culture, which favors online anonymity, differs from the average tech crowd.

However, she questions if other tech events will follow Defcon's lead. "These conferences exist to celebrate new technology," Lawrence says. "How can they do that while banning tech in its critical early days?"

Event organizers weigh in

Other event organizers are taking varied approaches. TechBBQ in Copenhagen will not ban the glasses, according to spokesman Keyvan Thomsen Bamdej. "The issue isn't the device, it's the behaviour. You can just as easily covertly record someone using a smartphone," he argues. He also warns a blanket ban could exclude visually impaired individuals for whom the AI glasses are a "game-changer."

The HumanX conference in Amsterdam also will not impose a ban. Co-founder Stefan Weitz compares it to "banning smartphones at a computer show in 2008." He says the event is meant for people to engage with new tech, not hide from it, though he acknowledges real privacy and consent questions. He expects attendees to "read the room" and says those who are "indelicate" with the glasses won't be welcomed back.

In contrast, the invitation-only Rebase event in Dublin will effectively ban the glasses. Organizer Eamon Leonard says they would clash with the trust required for exclusive, Chatham House-style discussions.

Proposals for regulation

Some organizers are considering middle-ground policies. Lachlan Chavasse of Deep Tech London wonders if requiring an explicit opt-in for ambient recording, similar to rules for filming, could work. Anisah Osman Britton, director of Sifted Summit, likens the glasses to assistance dogs, suggesting they should be welcome for accessibility but otherwise left at home. She argues that filming entire panels should require the same permissions as formal camera equipment.

The debate continues as new situations arise. Jem Collins of Journo Resources recounted advising a man in a sauna who considered wearing them, only refraining due to fear of damage. Hailey Eustace, CEO of PR firm Commplicated, stated, "I definitely don't like them," and called for the tech community to take more ownership of technology's direction. "We don't have to blindly accept every piece of tech as a positive," she said.