UK Cinemas Restrict Meta Smart Glasses Over Piracy Concerns

Cinema operators across the United Kingdom are introducing policies to prohibit or restrict camera-enabled smart glasses, including AI-powered eyewear from Meta Platforms Inc., to combat film piracy and privacy violations. The UK Cinema Association announced on Thursday that while no single industry-wide rule exists, individual venues are implementing their own specific restrictions.

This trend follows similar bans on smart glasses in courts across England and Wales, as well as restrictions by pub operators such as Wetherspoons. The push for restrictions coincides with a criminal complaint filed against Meta in August by a German advocacy group citing privacy laws.

Meta Platforms Inc. acknowledged that films should not be recorded without authorization but argued that limiting the use of the technology would be a major step backwards for the blind and low vision community. The UK Cinema Association noted that operators are aware of how wearable technology can provide benefits to those with specific access requirements.