From Dawn · Mansoor Malik · · 2m
Punjab Govt Bans Camera Smart Glasses for 30 Days
Punjab government bans camera-enabled smart glasses and disguised cameras for 30 days to protect privacy and public order.
In brief
Punjab government bans camera-enabled smart glasses and disguised cameras for 30 days to protect privacy and public order. Punjab government bans use and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses with hidden recording ability for 30 days to prevent privacy breaches and security risks. Originally reported by Dawn.
Punjab Government Bans Camera Smart Glasses
Punjab government issued an order banning use and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses and miniature cameras disguised as everyday objects for 30 days.
“No person shall wear or operate 'camera-enabled smart glasses with hidden recording ability' or 'miniature cameras with recording ability disguised as everyday objects such as pen, keychain, etc.'”
Ban Under Section 144 Crpc
The restriction was notified by Punjab Home Department secretary using powers under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898.
Excluded Devices
The ban excludes laptops, handheld tablets, mobile phones, and terminal equipment approved by Pakistan Telecommunication Authority.
Retail Restrictions
Retailers, wholesale dealers, traders, and distributors cannot sell or offer these devices online or off the shelf.
Risk to Public Order
Unrestricted use of these devices could pose serious risks to public order, individual privacy, particularly women and children, and institutional integrity.
Specific Risk Areas
Airports, examination centers, secure government establishments, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, court premises, and public places are identified as high-risk areas.
Imminent Threats
The use of such devices creates imminent apprehension of secret recording, breach of privacy, and unauthorized transmission of protected information.
Immediate Effect
The ban takes effect immediately and remains in force for 30 days unless withdrawn earlier.
Law Enforcement Exemption
Authorized law enforcement personnel are exempt from the restriction.
Lhc Petition
The Lahore High Court has been seized with a public interest petition challenging unregulated import and sale of camera and mic-equipped smart glasses.
Meta Glasses
Meta has faced pushback for its AI-powered smart glasses, with critics dubbing them 'pervert glasses' despite not officially listing Pakistan as a market.
Lhc Directive
The Lahore High Court directed the federal government to forward a summary to the federal cabinet regarding unregulated import and sale of smart glasses.
The key point
Punjab government bans use and sale of camera-enabled smart glasses with hidden recording ability for 30 days to prevent privacy breaches and security risks.
