Smart Glasses Banned in New York State Court Buildings

Courts & The JudiciaryWearables

In a move to prevent surreptitious recordings, New York State has banned the use of smart glasses in court buildings.

TL;DR
• New York State bans smart glasses in court buildings to prevent recordings.
• The policy applies to all people entering a courtroom, including attorneys and litigants.
• Smart glasses must be turned over to court officers for safekeeping.

Summary
The New York State Office of Court Administration has enacted a statewide ban on smart glasses equipped with cameras, microphones, or computers in all court buildings. The policy, effective July 20, 2026, prohibits attorneys, litigants, witnesses, family members, court employees, and the public from wearing such devices to prevent covert recording, citing violations of the New York State Civil Rights Law.
• Smart glasses must be surrendered to uniformed court officers for safekeeping; prescription lenses require a separate pair of glasses.
• The ban follows a 2025 incident where Meta security personnel used smart glasses during Mark Zuckerberg’s California trial, leading to a contempt warning from Judge Carolyn Kuhl.
• The devices, released in partnership with EssilorLuxottica and sold under Ray‑Ban and Oakley brands, range from $300 to $800.
• The regulation positions New York as the first state to prohibit such technology in judicial settings, emphasizing transparency and protection of courtroom integrity.

The decision reflects a cautious approach to emerging wearable technology, prioritizing the prevention of unauthorized surveillance and the preservation of fair trial standards. By requiring the removal of recording capabilities, the court system aims to eliminate potential biases and ensure that all proceedings remain observable only by authorized personnel.

This policy also signals a broader trend toward regulating AI and smart device use in public institutions, underscoring the need for clear guidelines that balance innovation with civil rights protections. The ban serves as a precedent for other jurisdictions considering similar measures, highlighting the importance of proactive risk assessment and stakeholder engagement in technology deployment.

Overall, the New York State Court System’s prohibition on smart glasses establishes a framework for safeguarding courtroom privacy, promoting ethical technology use, and maintaining public trust in the judicial process.

As technology continues to evolve, it's essential to consider the potential consequences of its use in sensitive environments like courtrooms.