Understand
Visually impaired people fear smart glasses backlash as venues introduce bans
Overview
Blind and visually impaired users of smart glasses are concerned that a growing backlash and venue bans against the technology will exclude them and make them feel unsafe. While the devices offer life-changing independence for tasks like reading and navigation, public concerns over privacy and covert filming have led to restrictions in courtrooms, schools, pubs, and restaurants, as well as activist campaigns against the wearables.
Key points
- Visually impaired individuals use smart glasses for everyday tasks such as sorting post, identifying items, and navigating.
- Venues including courtrooms, schools, pubs, and theatres have restricted or banned the use of smart glasses due to privacy concerns.
- Some people have reported being secretly recorded and harassed by individuals using the cameras embedded in the glasses.
- Activist groups and campaigners have criticized the technology as an infringement on privacy and human rights.
- Sight loss charities urge venues to adopt an inclusive approach and treat the devices as a reasonable adjustment for disabled users.