Strict new ban is being rolled out at cinemas across UK after Wetherspoons crackdown

CINEMAS across the UK have introduced a ban against one particular item in a major “privacy” move. This comes as Wetherspoons also prohibited the use of the item in all of their locations. The smart technology has drawn criticisms over privacy concerns – as people are unaware they are being filmed by wearers Credit: Getty Images The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) announced yesterday (August 20) that many cinemas would be “introducing policies to prohibit and/or restrict the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses” in their venues. This has become the latest industry to ban the smart technology, after Wetherspoon introduced a policy earlier this month prohibiting people from wearing Meta glasses inside its more than 800 pubs. Sign up for the Money newsletter Thank you! The devices, which can record video, photos and audio, have been criticised over privacy concerns due to their ability to film without drawing attention. Concerns were also raised when people had been accidentally recorded in intimate spaces, including gym changing rooms and bathrooms, by those wearing the glasses. The UKCA added that UK cinema operators were “mindful of the issues around privacy and film piracy that arise around the use of such technology in cinemas” and that it was a developing area. It is unclear how many cinemas would ban the use of the technology in their venues, but an exception may be made for those wearing the glasses for “specific access requirements”. In response to criticism, a Meta spokeswoman said: “People use our glasses because they’re helpful and let them stay in the moment, from listening to music to live translation or hands-free calls. “They also provide critical new technology for people in the blind and low vision community and limiting how people can use this technology would be a major step backwards. Most read in Money “Naturally some places shouldn’t be filmed at all and that’s reasonable but rules should be applied consistently.” The £269 Meta glasses were first launched in 2021, but recent backing by celebrities including Kylie Jenner have boosted the popularity of the technology. However, a number of other UK companies have started taking steps towards banning the item, including Soho House. Comment now