New York has introduced a statewide prohibition on the use of smart glasses inside court facilities, citing concerns that the devices could be used to secretly capture video or audio recordings during legal proceedings.
Notices announcing the restriction began appearing at a local courthouse last week, prompting confirmation from the New York State Unified Court System that the ban would take effect.
The court system said the decision follows a memo issued by its executive director, Justin Barry, titled “Prohibition Against Smart Glasses in Court Facilities.” The directive will officially begin on Monday, July 20, and aims to prevent unauthorized recordings inside courtrooms.
“The reason for this prohibition is to ensure that individuals cannot surreptitiously record court proceedings in violation of the New York State Civil Rights Law and applicable court rules,” Barry wrote.
“This prohibition applies to all individuals entering court facilities, including litigants, attorneys, witnesses, family members, UCS employees, and all other individuals who seek to enter a UCS facility for any reason,” he added.
The restriction affects more than 1,240 courts operating across New York’s 62 counties, applying to everyone entering court buildings regardless of their role or purpose.
The ban extends beyond standard smart glasses and includes prescription eyewear equipped with smart technology, as well as any glasses or headwear “containing a camera, microphone, computer or other technology that permit the user to record video or audio.”
Electronic recording is generally prohibited in US courtrooms unless specifically approved by a judge. Courts have maintained these restrictions due to concerns that recording devices could distract jurors and witnesses, create intimidation risks, and affect the fairness of judicial proceedings.
Several states, including Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, have previously introduced restrictions on smart glasses in court settings. However, New York’s move is considered one of the broadest statewide bans of its kind.
The decision comes amid growing criticism of smart glasses, particularly devices developed through Meta’s partnership with , over concerns that they can be used to record individuals without their knowledge or consent. Earlier this year, a California judge reportedly criticized Meta lawyers for wearing smart glasses during a court appearance.
