His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has banned Meta smart glasses from court buildings across England and Wales, with security staff instructed to confiscate the devices on entry and return them when the wearer leaves.
“There are clear restrictions on taking images or videos within courts and tribunals which is why the use of Meta glasses is prohibited,” an HMCTS spokesperson said.
HMCTS runs the criminal, civil and family courts in England and Wales. Smartphones remain permitted in court buildings, provided they are not used to record hearings. HMCTS is not extending that exception to smart glasses because the glasses can record while being worn.
Section 41 of the Criminal Justice Act 1925 prohibits taking a photograph, or making a portrait or sketch, of judges, jurors, witnesses or parties to proceedings. The prohibition applies in the courtroom, in the building, in the precincts of the building and to images of a person entering or leaving. Section 9 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 covers sound recordings made in court. Unauthorised recording can result in contempt of court proceedings.
The issue has already surfaced in a UK courtroom. Earlier this year a claimant in a High Court case was accused of using smart glasses to receive coaching while giving evidence under cross-examination. He denied the allegation and said the glasses were not connected to his phone.
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