CONNECT WITH US
AI & Deeptech

AI & Deeptech

UK cinemas look at banning Meta smart glasses over piracy fears

The Guardian – AI logo

Published on

Add as a preferred source on Google
UK cinemas look at banning Meta smart glasses over piracy fears

Trade body says local chains would have to balance concerns with potential benefits of AI-enabled technology

Cinemas across the UK are considering banning customers from wearing Meta’s smart glasses amid fears they could be used to pirate films.

The UK Cinema Association (UKCA) trade body said that a number of local chains could end up introducing policies that restrict camera-enabled smart glasses at the big screen, adding to a growing list of venues concerned about covert use.

The £359 specs, nicknamed “pervert glasses” and “spyware” by critics, are facing a growing backlash, leading to bans at restaurants, theatres, pubs and courtrooms.

The UKCA said it was not aware of any bans by members to date, but bosses would have to balance their concerns with the potential benefits provided by the AI-enabled technology to customers with accessibility issues. The glasses can help viewers with bespoke subtitles, for example, providing support for people with visual impairment or hearing loss.

In a statement first reported by Sky News, the trade body said: “Cinema operators are aware of the increasing availability and use of wearable technology such as smart glasses and the extent to which these can provide benefits to those with specific access requirements.

“However, they are also mindful of the issues around privacy and film piracy that arise around the use of such technology in cinemas, and as a result many are introducing policies to prohibit and/or restrict the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses in particular in their venues,” the UKCA added.



Source link
Related Topics:AI & Deeptech

Disclaimer

We strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in all of our reporting and coverage. We TheMorningPulse.fyi want to be transparent with our readers about any potential conflicts of interest that may arise in our work. It's possible that some of the investors we feature may have connections to other businesses, including competitors or companies we write about. However, we want to assure our readers that this will not have any impact on the integrity or impartiality of our reporting. We are committed to delivering accurate, unbiased news and information to our audience, and we will continue to uphold our ethics and principles in all of our work. Thank you for your trust and support.