Punjab government bans camera-enabled 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 of Criminal Procedure Code

The restriction was notified in an order by the Punjab Home Department secretary in exercise of 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, security of sensitive data, and institutional integrity.

High-risk areas

Airports, examination centers, secure government establishments, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, court premises and public places are identified as high-risk areas.

Imminent risks

The use of such devices creates imminent apprehension of secret recording, breach of privacy and security, or unauthorized transmission of protected information.

Public safety justification

Immediate preventive action is necessary to ensure public safety, integrity and dignity of persons particularly women and children, and maintenance of order within the province.

Ban duration

The ban remains in effect for 30 days unless withdrawn earlier and applies to all persons except authorized law enforcement personnel.

Lahore High Court case

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's smart glasses

Meta has faced criticism 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.