Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to enforce a ban on camera-equipped glasses and other spy devices across the province. The instruction follows complaints about illegal surveillance carried out through such gadgets.
The directive comes days after the provincial government decided to ban spying devices, including glasses, pens, watches and other gadgets fitted with hidden cameras or recording equipment.
Home Department warns of strict legal action
A Punjab Home Department spokesperson said strict legal action would be taken against the use, purchase and sale of spying equipment and concealed electronic devices. The decision aims to protect citizens’ privacy and personal information, particularly the safety of women and children, the spokesperson added.
Also read: Punjab bans spy glasses and covert surveillance devices
According to the spokesperson, complaints have emerged about illegal surveillance, harassment and blackmail carried out with spying devices. The government was committed to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights, personal information and privacy, and strict punishment would follow the illegal use of everyday items fitted with hidden cameras.
Global concern over smart glasses and privacy
The move follows growing calls worldwide for action against so-called “pervert” smart glasses, after secretly filmed footage of girls and women appeared online. A petition in Britain has demanded a ban on their sale.
Smart glasses can take photos, film videos, play music, make calls, translate text and interact with an AI assistant, and reports cited sales running into the millions. The devices drew attention this summer after a marketing tie-up between beauty mogul Kylie Jenner and tech giant Meta. Concern peaked in Europe, especially in Britain, where media coverage was intense and Meta was reported to be developing a facial recognition feature for the devices.
In one case, a 17-year-old girl told a British broadcaster in August that a man had approached her and covertly recorded their interaction. Norway’s capital, Oslo, banned the glasses in schools, while France’s CNIL data protection watchdog urged “vigilance”.
