Punjab orders crackdown on smart glasses and hidden-camera devices

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities to enforce a ban on camera-equipped glasses and other spy devices across the province, following complaints about illegal surveillance, Geo News reported.

The order comes days after the provincial government decided to ban devices used for spying, including glasses, pens, watches and other gadgets fitted with hidden cameras and recording equipment.

Use, purchase and sale

A Punjab Home Department spokesperson said strict legal action would be taken against the use, purchase and sale of spying equipment and concealed electronic devices, according to The News.

The spokesperson said:

• The decision was taken to protect citizens’ privacy and personal information, particularly to keep women and children safe.
• Complaints had emerged of illegal surveillance, harassment and blackmail using spying devices.
• Strict punishment would be imposed for the illegal use of everyday items fitted with hidden cameras.
• The government was committed to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights, personal information and privacy.

The reports did not give details of the penalties.

Already before the courts

The question has also reached the Lahore High Court. Last month, the court issued notices to the federal government, the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and other bodies on a public interest petition seeking rules for camera-equipped smart glasses, which the petitioner said could be used to record people secretly. The petition argued that devices such as Ray-Ban Meta glasses “can secretly photograph, record and live-stream anyone within the wearer’s view”, and said they were sold openly in markets such as Lahore’s Hafeez Centre even though Meta does not list Pakistan as an official market. It asked for a ban on imports and on their use in courts, airports and government offices.

A worry far beyond Pakistan

Punjab’s move comes amid growing calls around the world for action against what critics call “pervert glasses”, after secretly filmed footage of girls and women appeared online. In Britain, a petition is demanding a ban on their sale.

Anyone wearing smart glasses can take photos, film videos, listen to music, make phone calls, translate text or talk to an AI assistant, and sales now run into the millions, according to AFP.

The devices drew wide attention this summer after a marketing tie-up between Kylie Jenner and Meta. Concern peaked in Europe, especially in Britain, which saw intense media coverage of “pervert glasses” along with reports that Meta is developing a facial recognition feature for the devices.

In one case, a 17-year-old girl told Channel 4 News in August how a man had approached her and covertly recorded her and their conversation.

What other places have done

• Oslo: Norway’s capital has banned smart glasses in schools.
• France: the CNIL data protection watchdog has urged “vigilance”.
• Britain: a public petition is calling for a ban on sales.

Punjab’s order goes further than most of these, covering not only smart glasses but everyday items such as pens and watches fitted with hidden cameras. The Home Department framed the ban as a matter of fundamental rights, saying it was meant to protect citizens’ privacy and keep women and children safe from harassment and blackmail.