JD Wetherspoon Bans Meta Smart Glasses in UK Pubs

Hospitality chain JD Wetherspoon has banned Meta smart glasses and their recording functions across more than 800 venues in the United Kingdom. The company implemented the restriction following reports of individuals secretly recording strangers and sharing the footage online, stating the devices enable surreptitious surveillance and breach the general code prohibiting the filming of customers or employees without consent.

Other UK establishments, including Soho House, ATG Theatres, and restaurants owned by Jeremy King, have also implemented similar bans. The move coincides with warnings from the domestic abuse charity Refuge, which claims the technology facilitates the harassment and surveillance of women and girls.

Meta Platforms Inc. defended the technology, arguing that the glasses include an LED light to notify others when recording is active, a feature not found on smartphones. The company further asserted that the devices provide critical assistance for individuals who are low-sighted or hard of hearing, suggesting that limiting the use of such technology would be a major step backwards.