UK cinemas are moving to restrict camera-enabled smart glasses made by Meta Platforms and other tech companies, joining the trend of establishments banning the wearable technology in public settings.
On Thursday, the UK Cinema Association (UKCA) released a statement saying that while it recognizes smart glasses can provide benefits to those with access requirements, use of the technology in movie theaters is raising concerns around “privacy and film piracy.”
The UKCA represents over 90% of UK cinema operators and advocates on behalf of the UK cinema sector internationally and locally.
As smart glasses grow in availability, “many” UK cinemas have begun to take action and started to introduce policies prohibiting or restricting the wearing of smart glasses, the association said. It did not name specific venues.
Fast Company reached out to U.S. cinema chains AMC Theatres, Alamo Drafthouse and Cinemark regarding their policies surrounding smart glasses. We will update this post if we hear back.
Despite the growing rejection of Meta glasses in different spaces, seven million were sold in 2025—triple the amount sold in 2023 and 2024 combined, as CNBC reported. Meta is the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Specs and balances
UK cinemas are joining a trend of many other establishments, workplaces, and groups prohibiting or restricting smart glasses. The trend comes amid growing conversations around Meta glasses being used in schools, medical offices, and bathrooms.
Last week, courts in England and Wales began prohibiting smart glasses. His Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) said that Meta glasses will be confiscated from anyone entering its judicial buildings.
A spokesperson told the Guardian, “There are clear restrictions on taking images or videos within courts and tribunals which is why the use of Meta glasses is prohibited.”
The HMCTS joined other UK establishments, including private members’ club Soho House and pub chain Wetherspoon, in its Meta glasses ban.
About a month before, in July, the New York state court system prohibited the use of smart glasses in all courts, becoming the first U.S. state to establish such a ban.
On Tuesday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) prohibited its employees from wearing Meta glasses in the federal workplace out of privacy concerns.
The UKCA says the restriction of Meta glasses is a developing area—evident by the ongoing movement banning them.
The organization says it will “continue to work with [its] members to ensure their approach remains relevant and proportionate.”