Wetherspoon bans Meta Glasses from all 800 UK pubs over privacy fears
The chain said the devices enable surreptitious recording of customers and staff without consent
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JD Wetherspoon has banned customers from wearing Meta Glasses in any of its 800 UK pubs. The company said the devices, which can record video, photos and audio, enable covert surveillance that violates its privacy policies.
A spokesperson for JD Wetherspoon told The Independent that the chain prohibits filming customers or employees without permission. The company compared the glasses to audible video playback, which it already bans for invading patrons’ privacy.
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Privacy concerns prompt nationwide ban
The ban follows reports of people using smart glasses to record strangers without consent and sharing the footage online. JD Wetherspoon said its pubs use CCTV for security, but its use is strictly controlled by data protection laws.
Meta defended its glasses, stating they include a light that activates when recording. A spokesperson said the devices help users stay present, offering features like live translation and hands-free calls. They also assist people with low vision or hearing impairments.
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“Meta glasses seem to breach this code, and common sense, by enabling surreptitious surveillance, so our instinct is to say turn off the cameras.”
JD Wetherspoon spokesperson, speaking to The Independent
Meta argued that restricting the use of its glasses would set back accessibility for people who rely on the technology. The company acknowledged that some locations should never be filmed but said rules should be applied consistently.
What happens next
JD Wetherspoon has not indicated whether it will review the ban in future. The chain has not responded to requests for further comment. Meta has also not provided additional statements beyond its initial defence of the glasses.
Questions this report answers
+Why has Wetherspoon banned Meta Glasses?
JD Wetherspoon banned Meta Glasses because the devices can record video, photos and audio without drawing attention, raising privacy concerns. The company said this breaches its policy against unauthorised filming of customers and staff in its 800 UK pubs.
+Do Meta Glasses show when they are recording?
Meta said its glasses include a light that turns on to indicate when a photo or video is being taken. However, JD Wetherspoon argued that the devices still enable covert recording, which violates its privacy policies.
+Will other pubs follow Wetherspoon’s ban?
It is unclear whether other pub chains will introduce similar bans. JD Wetherspoon has not commented on whether it expects other hospitality businesses to adopt comparable policies regarding smart glasses.
+What features do Meta Glasses offer?
Meta Glasses provide hands-free calls, live translation, music playback and assistive technology for people with low vision or hearing impairments. The company said restricting their use would set back accessibility for those who rely on them.
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