New Ban Being Introduced at Cinemas Across the UK Amid Concerns over Privacy
The UK Cinema Association says many venues are weighing bans or limits as smart glasses can record video, audio and photos hands-free.
- The UK Cinema Association reported that cinemas are evaluating restrictions on camera-equipped smart glasses, including Meta's Ray-Ban, over concerns people could secretly record and pirate movies.
- Piracy risks are rising as smart glasses become increasingly capable, with devices now able to capture video and audio without drawing attention, potentially functioning as hands-free camcorders pointed at movie screens.
- Other venues have already taken action: ATG Theatres restricts filming during performances and asks customers to remove smart glasses, while Wetherspoon banned the devices at its more than 800 UK pubs to prevent surreptitious surveillance.
- While Meta includes an LED privacy light designed to signal when cameras are recording, cinemas face a difficult balancing act protecting intellectual property while accommodating users who rely on the technology for accessibility.
- Meta argues its glasses provide "critical new technology" for blind and low-vision users, and the UKCA notes that policies will need to remain proportionate as the technology evolves to avoid excluding those with accessibility needs.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Now movie theaters are starting to ban Meta smart glasses too. Here’s why
UK cinemas are moving to restrict camera-enabled smart glasses made by Meta Platforms and other tech companies, joining the trend of establishments banning the wearable technology in public settings. On Thursday, the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) released a statement saying that while it recognizes smart glasses can provide benefits to those with access requirements, use of the technology in movie theaters is raising concerns around “privacy and …
UK cinemas to clamp down on smart glasses
In response to recent news reports around privacy concerns raised by the increasing use of Meta Glasses and other wearable technology, trade body UKCA Cinema Association has announced plans to prohibit or restrict their use in its members’ venues. In a statement, it said: “UK cinema operators are aware of the increasing availability and use […]
Meta glasses banned by 'many' cinemas amid piracy concerns
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