New York Bans Smart Glasses Across 1,240 Courts Starting July 20

New York State Unified Court System announced a statewide ban on camera-equipped smart glasses across all 1,240 state, county, city, town, and village courts, effective July 20. The rule covers Meta Ray-Bans, prescription smart glasses, and any eyewear or headwear containing cameras, microphones, computers, or recording technology. Anyone—including lawyers, court employees, and visitors—must surrender such devices to uniformed court officers before entering. The ban targets surreptitious recording in violation of New York Civil Rights Law, citing that smart glasses make it easier to film without raising a phone or visible camera. Prescription smart glasses users must bring a standard pair as backup.

Courts have long prohibited photography, audio recording, and broadcasting, but smart glasses complicate enforcement because indicator lights can be missed or tampered with. Meta has added camera-disabling safeguards, but officials are not relying on them. The policy follows a February incident where a California judge warned attendees not to use smart glasses during a Zuckerberg-related trial. This sweeping ban creates compliance hurdles for law firms, media companies, and contractors visiting courts. Employers should advise workers to leave smart glasses at home or arrange secure storage. The move may set a precedent as wearable recording devices become more discreet.