UK Pubs Ban Meta’s ‘Pervert Glasses’ as 20,000 Demand Privacy Crackdown

Meta’s Ray-Ban smartglasses, dubbed ‘pervert glasses’ for their ability to record video discreetly, face growing restrictions in the UK after over 20,000 people joined a campaign to block their use under data protection laws.

Over 7 million pairs of the glasses were sold in 2025, but backlash has intensified over concerns they enable non-consensual filming, particularly of women. UK pub and restaurant chain Wetherspoons has banned the glasses from its premises, joining other venues in restricting their use.

Activist group Everyone Hates Elon launched a campaign encouraging legal objections to being filmed by the glasses, with more than 20,000 people signing on. The group’s spokesperson stated, ‘Most people don’t want pervert glasses that can film us without our consent.’

Meta’s safety guidelines explicitly prohibit using the glasses for ‘harassment, infringing on privacy rights, or capturing sensitive information.’ However, social media reports detail instances of men using them to film women without consent, leading to public outcry.

Content creator Rida Tharana, who has 1.6 million Instagram followers, apologized for promoting the glasses in a Meta campaign, criticizing men who misuse them to ‘record and harass women.’ Meanwhile, Germany is reportedly considering a full ban on the devices.

The controversy extends beyond Meta. Australian retailer Kmart released budget camera glasses under its Anko brand, priced at AUD 89, which sold out quickly. Australia’s federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has asked the privacy commissioner to urgently review smart glasses technology.

While critics highlight privacy risks, some advocates note the glasses can be life-changing for people with disabilities, offering hands-free access to information and communication tools.