GoKawiilCalifornia Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Covert Smart Glasses Recording
Gavin Newsom vetoed SB-1130, a bill that would have made it a misdemeanor to secretly record people with smart glasses in places like changing rooms and doctors' offices. The bill also would have required recording indicators on wearables and banned tools designed to hide them. Newsom said the bill's definition of 'wearable recording device' was too broad and could unintentionally cover common smartwatches.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
California already has privacy and two-party consent laws covering recording devices generally, but the veto leaves no law specifically tailored to smart glasses, a category the governor's letter suggests needs clearer definitions before new rules can apply. The veto follows opposition from TechNet, a tech industry advocacy group, which could indicate pushback from wearable manufacturers worried about compliance costs or liability. Without such a law, enforcement against covert recording with devices like smart glasses may rely on broader, less specific statutes.
- Newsom vetoed SB-1130, which targeted covert recording via smart glasses in private spaces.
- The bill would have required recording indicators on wearables and banned anti-detection tools.
- Newsom cited overly broad language that could have unintentionally covered smartwatches and other devices.
Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses — This story centers on privacy concerns with smart glasses like these, which feature a built-in LED light to indicate when recording is active. They're a great way to experience the hands-free camera and audio tech at the heart of this legislative debate, while seeing firsthand the privacy indicator features lawmakers are focused on.
See Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: engadget.com — Kris Holt, 2026-10-01
Published there as: “Newsom vetoes smart glasses privacy bill”
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