Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what consideration she has given to introducing a ban on the sale and use of camera-equipped smart glasses.

The Government takes the protection of personal data and privacy very seriously, whilst recognising that connected and assistive technologies can deliver significant benefits to users. The UK’s data protection legislation applies to the processing of personal data by organisations, regardless of the technology being used, including connected and AI-enabled devices such as smart glasses.

All organisations that process personal data must comply with the UK's data protection legislation, including requirements to process personal data lawfully, fairly, transparently and securely. The Information Commissioner's Office, the UK's independent data protection regulator, has published guidance for organisations developing and deploying connected products and services, including smart glasses (see https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/online-tracking/guidance-for-consumer-internet-of-things-products-and-services/ ).

There are no current plans to introduce a ban on the sale or use of camera-equipped smart glasses, but the Government will continue to monitor this area closely.