New York is the first US state to ban smart glasses in all its courthouses
Starting July 20, all courts in New York state will prohibit smart glasses to prevent covert recording. Individuals will have to surrender their devices before entering.
New York has become the first US state to impose a blanket ban on smart glasses in all its courthouses. According to local publication Syracuse, signs announcing the ban were posted last week at the Honorable James C. Torney III Criminal Courthouse. The ban takes effect on July 20 and applies to all 1,240 state, county, city, town and village courts within the state.
The prohibition covers any eyewear or headwear equipped with cameras and microphones, including smart glasses with prescription lenses. People wearing such devices will have to leave them with uniformed court officers before entering a courthouse, even if they are lawyers or staff members.
The reason for the ban is to prevent surreptitious recording of court proceedings. The New York State Unified Court System's rules explicitly forbid taking photographs, films, videotapes, audiotaping, broadcasting or telecasting in any courthouse at any time. Smart glasses make it easier to record covertly, as there is no need to raise a camera or phone.
Attention to this issue was drawn in February when Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a jury trial over social media addiction. Members of his team were wearing Meta Ray-Ban glasses as they escorted him inside, prompting the judge to warn against recording courtroom proceedings with the devices, concerned about jurors being identified.
Meta's smart glasses typically have an LED indicator that lights up when recording. The company is also rolling out an update that will disable the camera if the LED is tampered with. However, in New York's courts, these measures are irrelevant as the devices will not be allowed inside at all.
This is not the only restriction on smart glasses. Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean cruise line banned smart glasses in certain areas onboard, including public restrooms, youth program areas, medical areas and casinos. MSC Cruises issued a partial ban last year. Illinois lawmakers are also considering adding smart glasses to the list of prohibited devices for drivers to combat distracted driving.
