35 Groningen clubs, museums, events jointly ban smart glasses over privacy infringements

Smart glasses by Meta, futuristic technology editorial background - Credit: - License: DepositPhotos Business Tech Innovation Friday, 9 October 2026 - 15:20

Groningen’s cultural sector has taken a stand against AI smart glasses. 35 cultural institutions across the city and surrounding region have decided to jointly ban the technology from their clubs, museums, events, and festivals. “Let’s not normalize this technology,” they wrote in a joint statement.

“Glasses equipped with cameras and AI make it possible to film and analyze people without their knowledge,” the organizations wrote. “We, the Groningen cultural sector, believe that these smart glasses have no place in our buildings or at our events.”

“This technology compromises the privacy and safety of visitors, staff, and artists, and undermines trust in an open and respectful environment.”

All 35 organizations have incorporated the ban on AI smart glasses into their house rules. “We stand for a culture where people can enjoy art, music, and other activities without concern,” they wrote.

They also called on the national government to develop regulations regarding this technology. Until that happens, the Groningen cultural sector urged other sectors, such as hospitality, sports, healthcare, public transport, retail, and education, to join their ban.

A few Dutch retailers have already pulled Meta’s AI glasses from their assortment. Wehkamp has stopped selling the technology, as has eyewear chain Hans Anders. Sports federation NOC*NSF and the Dutch football association KNVB have expressed concerns about the privacy of athletes, especially in changing rooms, and are considering what to do.

The launch of Meta’s AI glasses immediately set alarm bells ringing at Dutch privacy regulators, with the Dutch Data Protection Authority (AP) issuing a public statement reminding people in the Netherlands that it is always illegal to secretly film someone and post that footage online.

That reminder proved necessary. In the months since the glasses’ release, footage of hundreds of unsuspecting Dutch girls and women has been shared on Telegram groups and “creepshot” sites.

Offlimits, the Dutch expertise center on online sex abuse, has asked Meta to stop selling its AI glasses and stop processing and posting footage made with them on its social media platforms. Offlimits, along with the Firewall Foundation, is preparing a lawsuit for when Meta refuses.

“To prevent further victimization, we want to ensure that such images cannot be captured in the first place. Everyone—including the ‘tech bros’—has a responsibility to keep the internet free and safe. That requires Meta to stop offering these glasses,” Offlimits director Robbert Hoving said last week.