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California governor vetoes bill banning use of ‘pervert glasses’ to secretlyrecord people
California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill aiming to ban the use of wearable recording devices, citing vague definitions and existing protections in state law. The bill sought to regulate smartglasses and prevent secret recordings in public. As wearable technology evolves, concerns over privacy continue to rise, particularly with features like always-listening capabilities in devices from major tech companies.
Key points
- Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1130 aimed at banning wearable recording devices.
- The veto was due to vague definitions of wearable devices and existing protections in California law.
- The bill aimed to prevent secret recordings in public, especially with tech like smartglasses.
- If passed, violators could face fines and imprisonment, manufacturers could also be penalized.
- The bill was a response to rising concerns about privacy as companies like Meta and Apple innovate wearable technology.
Why it matters
- This veto reflects ongoing debates about privacy and technology, particularly as wearable devices become more common.
- As countries like Norway consider banning similar technologies, California's legislative efforts highlight regional differences in tech regulation.
- The rise of always-listening devices, such as AI-powered wearables, continues to challenge existing privacy laws.
The vetoed bill symbolizes the growing tension between technological advancement and privacy concerns, as California grapples with how to regulate emerging wearable technologies responsibly.