Maharashtra to Regulate AI Smart Glasses Amid Privacy Concerns, Forms Expert Panel

The Maharashtra government announced on Tuesday that it will formulate guidelines to regulate the use of AI-powered smart glasses and similar wearable devices, particularly in sensitive locations. An expert committee will be constituted within a month to make recommendations on the use of artificial intelligence, officials said.

The decision follows a Calling Attention Motion raised by NCP MLA Sana Malik, who highlighted that AI-enabled smart glasses and goggles are now widely available in the market. These devices, which appear no different from ordinary spectacles, are capable of capturing photographs, videos and audio, live-streaming, facial recognition, conversation analysis and collecting personal information.

Malik expressed concern that the devices could be used to secretly record individuals without their knowledge, posing risks in sensitive locations such as Mantralaya (the state secretariat), government offices, police stations, courts, defence establishments, educational institutions, hospitals and places of worship. She also raised issues related to privacy, women's safety, protection of minors, medical confidentiality and the security of sensitive government information.

In response, the state government assured that it would set up a panel of experts to study the technology and its implications. The committee will submit recommendations on whether and how to regulate the use of such devices, including potential restrictions in certain zones. The government said it aims to balance technological innovation with citizen privacy and national security.

The move underscores growing concerns worldwide about the privacy implications of AI-powered wearables. Maharashtra's initiative is seen as a proactive step to address these challenges before the technology becomes more pervasive.