New York State Court System Bans Wearing Smart Glasses in Court Buildings
7.20.2026
Starting today, the New York State Office of Court Administration is prohibiting the use of smart glasses that contain a camera, microphone or computer in state, county, town and village courts. New York is the first state to institute such a ban.
In a July 1 memorandum, the court administration said the ban ensures that no one can be recorded surreptitiously, which is a violation of the New York State Civil Rights Law. This new policy applies to all people entering a courtroom in New York State including attorneys, litigants, witnesses, family members, court employees and members of the public.
Smart glasses brought to a court facility should be turned over to uniformed court officers for safekeeping. If the smart glasses include prescription lenses, bring a regular pair of glasses to use while in the court building.
The concern over smart glasses worn in courtrooms was raised earlier this year when members of Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s security team were wearing smart glasses during his trial in California. Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl told the Meta team members that they could not record with the glasses and that she would hold them in contempt of court if they did so.
The glasses came onto the market in 2025, developed in a partnership between Meta and eyewear manufacturer EssilorLuxottica. They are marketed with Ray-Ban and Oakley frames and cost between $300 and $800.
