Meta glasses banned at UK Comic-Cons over secret filming
A major UK convention promoter has banned Meta glasses to stop covert recording, highlighting a growing clash between wearable surveillance technology and European privacy norms.
Monopoly Events, the promoter behind Comic-Cons in cities including Edinburgh, Manchester and Birmingham, has banned Meta glasses and all other wearable recording devices. The company said the move follows complaints from celebrity guests and attendees about being filmed without their knowledge or consent.
The decision carries direct economic implications for the lucrative convention industry. Several guests warned they would no longer attend in-person events if secretly recorded, threatening a business model that relies heavily on star attractions to sell tickets.
"The vast majority of the talent and agents at our events felt that these were a violation of their privacy and were damaging and spoiling the interactions at the tables," Monopoly Events said in a statement. "Several expressed concerns that they might not continue to attend in-person events if they were being recorded in secret."
Devices like Meta glasses feature nearly invisible cameras built into the frames, allowing wearers to record video or take photos with a simple tap. While this usually triggers a small warning light, fans noted the hardware is far less obvious than a smartphone, making covert recording significantly easier.
The public response highlighted a deep divide. Many supported the ban, citing concerns about children being filmed or ending up "plastered all over some drab blogging YouTube page." The unease is particularly acute for female attendees, who have previously spoken out about harassment at such conventions.
However, the blanket prohibition raises potential legal friction under European disability rights frameworks. Critics pointed out that many blind and partially-sighted people rely on smart glasses to safely navigate crowded spaces.
"Many people in the blind and partially-sighted community use them to safely navigate surroundings and be able to attend the event," one fan wrote, questioning how the ban aligns with the Equality Act.
Enforcing the new rules presents another challenge. Monopoly Events warned that anyone caught using the devices will be asked to leave and forfeit any unfulfilled autographs or photographs they purchased, though some attendees voiced scepticism about how practically this can be policed.
The move reflects a broader institutional pushback against unregulated wearable surveillance in public spaces. Earlier this week, ferry operator CalMac paused bridge visits on its vessels after a passenger used Meta glasses to secretly film crew and passengers.
