New York implements a statewide ban on smart glasses and similar recording-enabled eyewear in courtrooms and courthouses across the state. Multiple outlets report that the rule applies to all 1,240 courts, covering state and local jurisdictions including state, county, city, town, and village courts. The ban is described as targeting eyewear or headwear that includes cameras, microphones, or other recording technology, with reporting indicating it can include devices such as prescription glasses if they have recording capabilities. The change is set to take effect on July 20, according to one report.
Under the policy, people entering covered courtrooms—including court staff, attorneys, and other attendees—must not bring such devices into court. Reported procedures indicate that individuals may need to surrender the smart glasses to court officers at the courthouse. The stated rationale across coverage is privacy and the prevention of secret recording of court proceedings.
