On Nov. 5, 2026, Tom’s Guide reported that UK Safeguarding Minister Satvir Kaur said the government was considering restrictions on smart glasses in certain settings and limits on sales to some users. The report described a policy under consideration, not an enacted nationwide ban. It also cited MP Anne Sabina’s concerns about women finding videos of themselves online after being recorded without their knowledge or consent.
What the reported restrictions would cover
Kaur’s reported remarks concerned where smart glasses could be used and who could buy them. The account did not describe a specific list of settings or user groups. Tom’s Guide also reported that Kaur recognized possible navigation benefits for people with visual impairments, another consideration in the policy debate.
Venue rules can target recording or wearing the glasses
The Guardian’s Aug. 6, 2026, report described different positions from UK venues and restaurateurs. Wetherspoons chief executive Tim Martin said customers and employees could not be filmed without permission and that users should turn the glasses’ cameras off. That position addressed recording, rather than simply wearing eyewear. Soho House said filming was not allowed in its venues. ATG Theatres said people wearing the glasses during shows would be asked to remove them.
Restaurateur Jeremy King said guests should not wear recording glasses in his venues, while chef and restaurateur Tom Kerridge said he had no objection to them in his pubs and restaurants.
A restriction on recording and a request to remove the glasses are different rules, with different consequences for someone wearing them.
Accessibility is part of the discussion
Kaur also cited potential navigation benefits for people with visual impairments.
