UK cinemas consider ban on Meta glasses

Cinemas are considering a ban on Meta AI glasses amid piracy concerns.

Many of the UK's chains could introduce "policies to prohibit and/or restrict the wearing of camera-enabled smart glasses", according to the industry's trade body.

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All of the major operators are considering their approach to the tech, according to the UK Cinema Association (UKCA), as they respond to the rise of what some people have dubbed "spy glasses" or "pervert glasses".

The wearable technology features cameras embedded inside the frame and facilitates discreet recording. A small light flashes during taping.

But no bans have been issued to date, as far as the UKCA is aware, as moviehouses seek to balance possible film recording and privacy concerns with the accessibility benefits some users can get from the glasses.

Patrons with a visual impairment or who are hard of hearing can benefit from the spectacles, according to UKCA chief executive Phil Clapp.

These glasses can be useful to some moviegoers. Bespoke subtitling can come with some smart frames, Mr Clapp said.

Why now?

While smart glasses are not a new concept, Meta's have proven popular, with more than seven million pairs sold in 2025 alone.

An ad campaign fronted by billionaire Kylie Jenner has also brought new attention to the artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled glasses.

As well as taking pictures and recording video, Meta glasses enable conversations with AI, listening to music and taking calls.

They also feature a screen on the right lens, allowing wearers to read messages, translate a conversation or look at a map without taking out their phone.

How are others responding?

Theatres, pubs and restaurants have been taking a stance on the technology as its popularity grows.

One of the UK's biggest pub chains, Wetherspoons, has implemented an effective ban by not allowing people to record with the glasses in their pubs.

The owner of theatres across London, the Edinburgh Playhouse and the Bristol Hippodrome, ATG Theatres, will also prevent attendees from recording using the glasses.

His Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service told The Guardian "the use of Meta glasses is prohibited" over restrictions on taking images or videos within courts and tribunals.

A Meta spokesperson said the glasses "provide critical new technology for people in the blind and low-vision community".

"Limiting how people can use this technology would be a major step backwards," they added.

"Naturally, some places shouldn't be filmed at all, and that's reasonable, but rules should be applied consistently. Our glasses have a light that turns on to let people know when a photo or video is taken, something smartphones and other cameras don't have."

(c) Sky News 2026: UK cinemas consider ban on Meta glasses