United Kingdom cinemas are considering introducing restrictions on camera-enabled smart glasses amid concerns that the devices could be used to record films or compromise patrons’ privacy.

The UK Cinema Association, which represents the country’s cinema industry, said many cinema chains could introduce policies to prohibit or restrict the use of the glasses.

According to the association, all major cinema operators are considering how to respond to the growing use of the technology, which has been dubbed “spy glasses” or “pervert glasses” by some critics.

UK cinemas consider ban on camera-enabled smart glasses

The glasses have cameras embedded in their frames, allowing users to make discreet recordings, while a small light indicates when the camera is recording.

However, the UKCA said it was not aware of any major cinema chain having formally banned the devices.

The industry is weighing concerns over unauthorised film recording and privacy against the accessibility benefits the technology can offer some moviegoers.

UKCA chief executive, Phil Clapp, said the glasses could be particularly useful to people with visual impairments or hearing difficulties.

“Some of these glasses can be useful to some moviegoers,” Clapp said, noting that certain smart frames can provide bespoke subtitling.

He added that cinemas were therefore considering how to address the potential risks posed by camera-enabled glasses without unnecessarily restricting their accessibility benefits.

Although smart glasses have been around for some time, Meta’s models have gained significant popularity, with more than seven million pairs sold in 2025 alone.