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

Meta smart glasses face scrutiny as courts in England and Wales ban their use over recording concerns Reuters August 20, 2026 Less than a minute read 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 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. LATEST MOST READ OPINION