Reform UK’s Scottish communications director, Tony McGuire, says he regularly wears Meta smart glasses inside Holyrood. Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton wants the devices banned from the parliamentary estate over privacy and security concerns.
McGuire says he does not use the glasses to record while working at the Scottish Parliament. He mainly uses them for calls and notifications and says he often removes or switches them off for sensitive meetings, including leadership discussions. The glasses also hold his prescription lenses.
Cole-Hamilton argues that camera-equipped glasses could capture confidential briefings or constituent cases without people noticing. He says the Liberal Democrats have written to the Speaker seeking a ban at Westminster and want the same rule at Holyrood. McGuire acknowledges the privacy concerns but opposes a blanket ban, saying it would penalise responsible users.
Westminster is reviewing its approach to wearable technology after Reform UK Senedd member Jason O’Connell was suspected of using smart glasses as a teleprompter during a speech. There is no suggestion he used them to record proceedings.
Please note! Comments are published by readers. The opinions expressed may not reflect the position of the editorial team. NYCT is not responsible for the content of readers' opinions and asks authors to observe moral standards, not to incite national or racial hatred, and to avoid rudeness. Think before you speak. You are responsible for your words! By publishing an opinion, you agree to the rules! If this request is ignored, NYCT reserves the right to deprive the user of the ability to leave comments.