New York Bans Smart Glasses in All State Courts

The Unified Court System of New York will implement a statewide ban on smart glasses and other recording-enabled headwear in more than 1,240 state, county, city, town, and village courts effective July 20, 2026. The prohibition covers any eyewear or headwear equipped with cameras, microphones, or computers capable of audio or video recording, including prescription smart glasses.

The policy applies to all individuals entering court facilities, including judges, attorneys, court staff, litigants, witnesses, and family members. Uniformed court officers will screen people at building entrances; those arriving with banned devices must surrender them to security for safekeeping until they exit the premises. Signage announcing the new rules has already been posted at the Honorable James C. Torney III Criminal Courthouse in Syracuse.

The Office of Court Administration introduced the measure to prevent the covert recording of proceedings, which violates court rules and the New York State Civil Rights Law. Officials specifically cited the need to protect the privacy of jurors, witnesses, and minors.