Your upcoming trip to the cinema might be subject to a ban on Meta smart glasses.

      Ray-Ban

      Smart glasses are intended to simplify the process of capturing moments without needing to take out a phone. However, when those moments occur within a movie theater, the situation becomes more complicated. Cinemas throughout the UK are contemplating restrictions on smart glasses equipped with cameras, including Meta’s Ray-Ban, due to worries that individuals might use them to surreptitiously record and pirate films.

      The UK Cinema Association (UKCA), representing cinema operators nationwide, indicates that some venues are considering policies that would limit or completely ban camera-enabled glasses. While there aren’t any widespread prohibitions among its members at this point, that might change as smart glasses become increasingly prevalent.

      Smart glasses present a new challenge for cinemas

      Piracy has always been a concern for cinemas, but smart glasses heighten the issue considerably. It is relatively straightforward to detect someone holding a smartphone or camera during a movie, but a pair of glasses on someone’s face? Much harder to identify. Although Meta’s glasses feature a privacy mechanism intended to make recording more obvious, with an LED light that flashes when the camera is in use, Meta asserts it has measures in place to prevent users from simply obscuring the light and recording without detection.

      Movie

      Nevertheless, worries about this technology persist. Complaints have already arisen from people who felt they were filmed unknowingly, and smart glasses have faced opposition elsewhere in the UK. For instance, ATG Theatres prohibits filming during performances and may request that customers remove smart glasses. Wetherspoons has also criticized camera-equipped glasses, with CEO Tim Martin claiming that recording customers or staff without consent should not be allowed. Movie theaters now face additional concerns; a pair of glasses could feasibly serve as a hands-free camcorder aimed at the screen for an entire film.

      However, enacting a ban is not straightforward

      There is another aspect to consider, as smart glasses are not merely tiny cameras affixed to a person's face. Meta contends that its glasses can provide real benefits, especially for users who are blind or have low vision. Features like live translation and hands-free assistance can make the technology more inclusive in situations where repeatedly reaching for a phone is impractical. The UKCA recognizes this as well. Smart glasses could support moviegoers with accessibility needs, such as offering personalized subtitles. Consequently, a general ban could eliminate something genuinely beneficial while attempting to address the piracy issue.

      Caviar Meta Glasses

      This situation presents cinemas with a surprisingly complex challenge. They must safeguard films and the privacy of everyone in the theater without unnecessarily excluding those who depend on the technology. The UKCA states that this is an ongoing issue, and policies must continue to be reasonable as the technology advances. However, with smart glasses becoming ever more sophisticated, cinemas may soon need to decide whether to ask patrons to leave them at home during their next visit to the movies.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, with over five years of experience in the tech space.

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