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A major British Comic-Con organizer has banned Meta smart glasses and other wearable recording devices from its events after attendees and celebrity guests raised concerns about being filmed without their knowledge.
Monopoly Events, which runs comic, entertainment and fan conventions across the United Kingdom, said the decision followed a consultation period and repeated complaints about covert recording during autograph signings, photo sessions and other interactions.
“After a consultation period, we can no longer permit the wearing of any recording device at our events,” the company said in a Facebook statement.
The organizer said several celebrity guests had indicated that they might stop showing up at its conventions unless stronger steps were taken to prevent unauthorized filming.
According to Monopoly Events, guests and their representatives viewed wearable recording devices as an invasion of privacy that could take away from the personal nature of paid autograph and photograph sessions.
Some attendees also said they felt uneasy because they could not easily work out whether someone nearby was recording them.
Under the new policy, anyone found using a wearable recording device could be removed from the venue. They could also lose any remaining autograph or photo opportunities they had already purchased.
Meta smart glasses look similar to conventional eyewear but come with cameras, microphones and speakers built into their frames. Users can take photographs or record videos by touching the frame or giving a voice command.
A small indicator light generally comes on while recording is underway. However, unlike a smartphone held up in front of a person, smart glasses can make it more difficult for people nearby to notice that a camera is being used.
Monopoly Events organizes Comic-Con conventions in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. It also runs events built around professional wrestling, horror and anime, a style of animation closely associated with Japan.
The decision brought out mixed reactions online. Some fans backed the restrictions, pointing to concerns about adults and children appearing in videos posted online without giving permission.
Others said a blanket ban could create barriers for disabled visitors who rely on smart glasses for accessibility purposes, including audio descriptions and help with moving through crowded venues.
Monopoly Events did not immediately clarify whether it would bring in exemptions for attendees who use wearable technology because of a disability.
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