Museums, festivals and clubs in Groningen ban smart glasses

In a joint statement on Friday some 30 cultural organisations in Groningen announced they were banning the use of smart glasses from their buildings and events.

The devices, the most popular version is sold by Meta, look like normal glasses but allow users to film and take photos covertly.

“This technology compromises the privacy and safety of visitors, staff, and artists, and undermines trust in an open, respectful environment,” the statement says.

Backers including the Groninger Archieven, the Groninger Museum, Noorderlicht, Stichting Kunst & Cultuur and the Grand Theatre Groningen.

Last week, eyewear chain Hans Anders announced it would stop selling Meta camera glasses following demands from privacy advocates concerned about the so-called “pervert glasses”.

Dutch privacy watchdog AP has warned that sharing images made with camera glasses violates GDPR laws unless permission is given by everyone in the images.

The consumer watchdog Consumentenbond has also issued a warning about the glasses, noting that it was possible to manipulate or cover the indicator light to make it even harder to tell images were being captured.

MPs have called for a full ban on the glasses but the cabinet is opposed to a blanket measure and wants to see other restrictions put into place.

Utrecht music venue Tivoli Vredenburg banned smart glasses at its events in 2025 and has since refused entry to one man who would not take them off.