New York City’s renowned nightclub, Basement, has implemented a strict policy banning the use of smart glasses on its premises. The club, known for its selective door policy, aims to protect the privacy and freedom of its patrons on the dance floor.
Privacy First on the Dance Floor
Basement, a prominent fixture in New York’s nightlife scene, is known not only for its atmosphere but also for its discerning entrance criteria. Entry is at the discretion of the bouncers, with successful guests entering a dimly lit, red-hued dance floor, while others are turned away.
In a clear announcement made via social media on August 27th, Basement unveiled its new “smart glasses policy.” Anyone arriving with smart glasses will be asked to leave. The club stated, “We prohibit photography and videography to protect everyone’s privacy, safety, and freedom on the dance floor. Devices capable of discreet recording are incompatible with this rule. Anyone bringing smart glasses into the venue, whether worn or in a bag, will be asked to leave and may be permanently banned from entry.”
Widespread Concerns Over Smart Glasses
The decision by Basement has been met with approval from many regular club-goers, with some suggesting that other nightlife venues should adopt similar policies. This move aligns with a growing global trend of institutions imposing restrictions on smart eyewear.
Recently, on August 22nd, Norway’s Minister of Education, Kari Nessa Nordtun, called for local governments and schools to prohibit the use of AI glasses on school grounds through institutional regulations. Norway is also planning to strengthen regulations for smart glasses and similar devices, potentially banning facial recognition features in public spaces.
In mid-August, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a ban on employees wearing Meta smart glasses. Concerns over privacy are increasingly leading workplaces to restrict the use of such devices.
Even tech manufacturers are addressing these concerns. Meta has released an update for its AI glasses that will disable the camera if the indicator light is obstructed during recording, adding a layer of transparency to its device’s functionality.
