Meta Glasses Face Bans Across UK Courts and Hospitality Venues

His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) announced that Meta smart glasses will be confiscated from anyone entering criminal, civil or family courts in England and Wales. The policy applies without exception, even though smartphones are permitted provided they are not used for recording. The ban follows a similar decision by New York courts, which barred the devices to prevent “surreptitious” recording. In parallel, JD Wetherspoon has prohibited the glasses in more than 800 of its pubs nationwide, including six venues in Worcestershire and three in Herefordshire. Patrons who attempt to wear the glasses will have them taken by staff and returned after they leave the premises.

The Guardian

Meta glasses can capture video, photos and audio without obvious signs, prompting fears of covert filming, especially of women, and of recordings being posted online. Critics have dubbed the devices “pervert glasses.” Hospitality operators cite existing CCTV rules that require explicit consent before filming customers or staff, and argue that the glasses breach this code. Courts have long prohibited unauthorised imaging, treating violations as contempt of court.

Hereford Times

JD Wetherspoon’s spokesman explained that the ban aligns with the chain’s data-legislation-compliant CCTV policy and the general rule against filming without permission. Meta declined to comment on the court ban but reiterated that a recording light on the glasses alerts nearby people when filming occurs.

Hereford Times

• Meta sold 7 million pairs of the glasses last year, priced between £269 and £469.

The Guardian

• The glasses are barred in over 800 pubs across the UK, including three venues in Herefordshire (Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Leominster) and six in Worcestershire.

Worcester News

• “Like many hospitality companies, Wetherspoon has CCTV cameras for security reasons, but their use is strictly controlled by data legislation.” — JD Wetherspoon, spokesman

Hereford Times

• “A spokesman for Meta said: "People use our glasses because they're helpful and help them stay in the moment, from listening to music to live translation or hands-free calls.” — Meta, spokesperson

Hereford Times