Norway is considering a national ban on AI glasses, as the country’s new Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance (digitaliserings- og forvaltningsministeren) Torgeir Micaelsen pushes for stricter rules on wearable technology capable of recording people without their knowledge. The proposal would extend the debate beyond the school bans already introduced in Oslo and several other municipalities.
Micaelsen, who was appointed to the government on 11 September, wants an expert group to examine whether Norway should prohibit some uses of AI-powered glasses and similar devices. No bill or nationwide ban has yet been proposed.
Norway’s AI glasses debate moves to national level
Micaelsen told NRK that he is concerned about combining AI with cameras, microphones and other sensors in wearable devices, particularly when people can be filmed or recorded without knowing it.
In a public statement, the minister said he believes children should not have to wonder whether they are being filmed while playing, while adults should not have to question whether conversations are being recorded. He said the government would therefore consider new measures, “including a ban”. Micaelsen also confirmed that the planned expert group will specifically be asked to examine possible prohibitions.
The group is expected to assess broader regulation of body-worn technology that can be used for video, audio recording or other forms of monitoring.
Micaelsen has also left open the possibility of exceptions for blind and visually impaired people, for whom smart glasses can provide accessibility functions.
A stricter position than his predecessor
The approach marks a shift from that taken by Micaelsen’s predecessor, Karianne Tung.
In August, Tung said that smart glasses required stricter regulation but stopped short of supporting a general ban. Her ministry announced an expert group to examine options including restrictions on functions such as facial recognition in public spaces, while encouraging workplaces and institutions to establish their own rules. The government described Tung’s approach on 25 August.
Micaelsen replaced Tung during a government reshuffle on 11 September, when she left her post and he moved from the Ministry of Finance to become digitalisation minister. The Norwegian government confirmed the ministerial changes.
His position therefore broadens the range of measures under consideration from tighter regulation to the possibility of banning some forms or uses of the technology altogether.
Oslo already banned AI glasses in schools
The national discussion follows restrictions already introduced at local level.
As NordiskPost previously reported, Oslo banned AI and smart glasses in its schools, applying the restriction throughout the school day. Education Commissioner Julie Remen Midtgarden argued that existing school rules were not sufficient to address the use of the devices outside school grounds.
The measure followed a request from Minister for Education (kunnskapsministeren) Kari Nessa Nordtun for Norwegian municipalities and schools to restrict Meta glasses and other AI glasses through their school regulations.
Oslo and Bærum were among the municipalities that adopted bans, while other local authorities have subsequently introduced similar measures. Aftenposten reported on the Oslo and Bærum restrictions in September.
The Oslo decision was largely focused on children’s privacy and the possibility of discreet recording in classrooms, changing rooms and schoolyards.
From school rules to regulation of wearable AI
The debate has now moved beyond school policy. While local authorities can restrict devices in schools and other municipal facilities, a broader prohibition would require action from the national government.
The key questions for the expert group will include which devices and functions any restrictions should cover and how rules could distinguish between surveillance risks and legitimate uses, including accessibility.
For now, Norway has no general national ban on AI glasses, and the government has not presented legislation. But Micaelsen’s intervention means a prohibition will be formally considered as Norway develops its response to increasingly discreet AI-powered wearable devices.
