JD Wetherspoon bans Meta Glasses from all 800 UK pubs

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 28 Oct, 08:59 · Archive

JD Wetherspoon has banned Meta Glasses and other smart glasses from all its UK pubs due to privacy concerns.

JD Wetherspoon has banned Meta Glasses and other smart glasses from all its more than 800 UK pubs. The ban, announced in August, applies to any device that can record video, photos and audio. The move follows growing reports of people secretly recording strangers and sharing footage online.

A JD Wetherspoon spokesperson said the ban aligns with the general code in most pubs that customers cannot film employees or patrons without permission. 'Meta glasses seem to breach this code, and common sense, by enabling surreptitious surveillance,' the spokesperson said. The pub chain noted that whilst it uses CCTV cameras for security, their use is strictly controlled by data legislation.

Meta responded that its glasses include a light that activates when photos or videos are being taken, alerting others to the recording. A Meta spokesperson said people use the glasses for legitimate purposes including listening to music, live translation and hands-free calls, and that the technology is important for people who are low-sighted or hard of hearing. Meta added that 'rules should be applied consistently', noting that whilst some places should not be filmed, this principle ought to extend across venues.

Around 88% of Wetherspoon customers agree with the ban.

JD Wetherspoon bans Meta Glasses from all 800 UK pubs — Image: Wandsworth Guardian

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How it is being reported

JD Wetherspoon customers banned from wearing this item in all 800 UK pubsMeta Glasses (and other smart glasses) are now banned from all JD Wetherspoon pubs in the UK.Wandsworth Guardian · 28 Oct, 08:00
JD Wetherspoon customers banned from wearing this item in all 800 UK pubsJD Wetherspoon has announced that Meta Glasses (and other smart glasses) are now banned from all its UK pubs.This Is Local London · 28 Oct, 08:00
JD Wetherspoon customers banned from wearing this item in all 800 UK pubsMeta Glasses (and other smart glasses) are now banned from all JD Wetherspoon pubs in the UK.Croydon Guardian · 28 Oct, 08:00
JD Wetherspoon customers banned from wearing this item in all 800 UK pubsMeta Glasses (and other smart glasses) are now banned from all JD Wetherspoon pubs in the UK.News Shopper · 28 Oct, 08:00

In this story: JD Wetherspoon · Meta · UK

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