UK cinemas restricting Meta AI and other smart glasses over piracy concerns

August 20, 2026 9:43 AM EDT

FILE PHOTO: A visitor reviews the new Meta smart glasses during the Meta annual Connect conference at the company's headquarters in Menlo Park, California, U.S., September 16, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/ File Photo

LONDON, Aug ‌20 (Reuters) - Cinema ​operators ​in Britain are introducing policies to prohibit or restrict camera-enabled ‌smart glasses, including Meta's AI-powered eyewear, ⁠the UK Cinema Association said on ‌Thursday, citing privacy and ‌film piracy concerns.

The move follows growing scrutiny of smart glasses over their ​recording capabilities, with courts in England and Wales this month ⁠prohibiting Meta smart glasses because of restrictions on taking ​images and videos in courts.

• Policies vary by venue, with operators ​introducing prohibitions and/or ‌restrictions rather than a single industry-wide rule.

• The UK Cinema ⁠Association said operators recognise smart glasses can provide benefits to those with ⁠specific access requirements.

• The association said it would ​continue working with members to ensure their approach "remains relevant and proportionate."

• Elsewhere, a German ‌advocacy group earlier in August said it had filed a ‌criminal complaint against Meta and ⁠others involved in ‌selling the Meta ​devices, citing privacy laws.

(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti, Editing by Paul ‌Sandle)



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