'Smart glasses' under fire: Parliament wants stricter ban and lawsuits threaten

The Dutch House of Representatives has called for a stricter ban on smart glasses equipped with cameras and microphones, citing concerns over privacy and unauthorized recording in public spaces. While State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen initially argued that existing laws were sufficient, she has deferred to the legislative majority's request to explore further regulatory options. The government is expected to report on potential legal actions by the first quarter of 2027, taking into account upcoming guidance from the European Data Protection Board. These regulations would likely exclude devices used as medical aids for visually impaired individuals.

Meanwhile, organizations including the Consumentenbond have issued legal threats against Meta, demanding that the company halt sales of its smart glasses in the Netherlands within two weeks or face litigation. Advocates argue that the discreet nature of these devices facilitates harassment and the unauthorized processing of sensitive personal data. These groups are pushing for immediate intervention to prevent further privacy violations and the normalization of covert recording in daily life.