Observed Signal · Oct 1, 2026 · Policy Update · Source: techcrunch · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Negative
California governor vetoes bill banning 'pervert glasses' secret recording
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130, which would have made it illegal to secretly record people using wearable recording devices like smart glasses. Newsom argued the bill defined wearable recording devices too broadly, potentially causing unintended consequences, and that existing state laws already provide adequate protections. The bill aimed to address privacy concerns amid the rise of always-listening devices from companies like Meta and Snap, which have seen significant sales. If enacted, California would have been the first state to regulate smart glasses, with fines or prison time for violators. The decision comes as other countries, like Norway, are considering similar bans. Critics have dubbed such devices 'pervert glasses' following incidents of harassment. The veto means no new specific regulations for these wearables in California yet.
The veto affects potential regulation of wearable recording devices, impacting privacy and data collection practices relevant to AdTech, especially as wearable devices could become new ad channels. However, it is not directly about advertising technology operations.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130 on October 1, 2026.
- The bill would have made it unlawful to secretly record people with wearable recording devices, with fines or prison time for violators.
- Newsom cited overly broad definitions and existing legal protections as reasons for the veto.
- Meta sold more than 7 million wearable glasses last year.
- The bill was authored by state senator Eloise Gómez Reyes.
Connected Companies & Entities
3 Entities mapped“Meta sold more than 7 million wearable glasses last year alone....”
“The bill sought to prevent people from being recorded in public places without their explicit consent, amid a rising number of wearable prod...”
“Apple announced last month that its latest Apple Watch software will include an always-listening feature that allows wearers to replay a tra...”
Ontology Mapping & Concepts
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Norway Weighs Ban on Camera-Enabled Wearable 'Pervert Glasses'
Norway is considering a ban on smart glasses and other camera-enabled wearable headsets due to privacy concerns. Digital Minister Karianne Tung, quoted by AFP, said there is a clear trend toward combining artificial intelligence with cameras and microphones built into everyday objects. She stressed the need to prevent such equipment from being used to monitor people in public places, potentially including banning facial recognition of other people in public. Tung plans to set up an expert group to advise on stronger privacy protections. The proposal targets camera-enabled, internet-connected wearables made by companies such as Meta and Snap, which could soon feature facial recognition. Civil liberties advocates have criticized the devices, with some calling them 'pervert glasses,' and Meta has faced lawsuits over privacy concerns related to its smart glasses.
Meta Smart Glasses Could Be Banned in Germany
Germany's data protection authority for Meta services, represented by Thomas Fuchs, warns that Meta's AI-equipped smart glasses enable covert filming and thus violate German data protection rules. After testing the devices, the authority says secret recording in public breaches law and has already begun taking action, including fines. The Bundesnetzagentur would need to enact a formal sales ban and is reportedly reviewing next steps. Industry data cited: about 2.25 million AI-enabled smart glasses were sold in Q1 2026 (a 167% year-on-year increase), IDC projects ~13.6 million sales for 2026, and Meta holds roughly 70% market share. The Financial Times reports Meta is testing “Super-Sensing” prototypes with continuous audio capture and periodic photos without visible recording indicators.
Meta's Smart Glasses Face Possible Ban in Germany
Hamburg data protection officer Thomas Fuchs says Meta's smart AI glasses may violate German data-protection law because they are nearly indistinguishable from normal glasses yet can secretly record photos and video; his authority has opened proceedings and levied fines. The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) would need to enact any sales ban and is reportedly reviewing next steps. Market research firm IDC projects about 13.6 million smart glasses sales in 2026 and reports Meta holds roughly a 70% market share; Q1 2026 shipments with AI features reached about 2.25 million units (up 167% year-on-year). The Financial Times reports Meta is testing so-called "Super-Sensing" prototypes that allegedly record audio continuously and save photos every few seconds without a visible recording indicator.
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