The Welsh Parliament has prohibited the use of smart glasses, following concerns about their potential as teleprompters during speeches. Initially, the Presiding Officer, Huw Irranca-Davies, had permitted their use on condition of prior notification. However, this stance was reversed, halting all requests for their use until a comprehensive review is completed.
Jason O’Connell, a Member of the Senedd (MS) from the Reform party, brought the debate to the fore earlier this year. O’Connell utilized the glasses to assist with public speaking by avoiding the need to read from notes, yet his device lacks a recording feature. He agreed to suspend the use of his smart glasses voluntarily during the ongoing review.
The scrutiny of smart glasses stems from wider concerns about technology use in legislative environments. While O’Connell’s glasses are devoid of cameras, other smart glasses models have spurred controversy due to their recording capabilities.
Irranca-Davies expressed that until the conclusion of the review, which involves discussions with MSs and staff, the approval of AI-equipped eyewear in sessions would be paused. The review is set to conclude by the end of 2026, with suggestions expected in the following year.
O’Connell commented on the decision, remarking on the beneficial, albeit non-essential, role of the glasses in his speech delivery. He remains optimistic about future use, pending formal approval and review outcomes.
This issue arises amidst a broader backdrop of Reform’s boycott of parliamentary processes, an action taken after another Reform member, Joe Martin, faced a speaking ban. This ban came after contentious remarks he made regarding demographic changes in the UK.
As the Senedd navigates the implications of advancing technology within its chambers, the decision to prohibit smart glasses marks a significant response to balancing innovation with legislative decorum.
Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash
