Campaigners urge Sadiq Khan to ban AI glasses on Tube

Calls are being made for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to prohibit Meta's AI glasses from the London Underground. Activists believe the wearable technology poses a significant risk to women and girls, potentially increasing sexual violence and harassment on the network.

The British Transport Police reported 595 sexual offences across the Tube network in the year from April 2024 to March 2025. Liz Hunter, a campaigner with Stop Smart Glasses, expressed worry that the prevalence of these glasses could worsen the existing problem.

Ms Hunter stated that the glasses are "a gift to criminals and people with bad intentions," highlighting the potential for misuse. She noted that some individuals are already approaching women while wearing the glasses and sharing footage online without consent.

One woman reported being covertly filmed at Waterloo station by a man wearing the glasses. He subsequently demanded money to remove the video from social media, leaving her feeling "humiliated," according to the BBC.

Mayor's response and TfL's position

In response to a question from Assembly Member Gareth Roberts at City Hall, the Mayor confirmed that Transport for London (TfL) is actively monitoring AI glasses and will keep its stance under review. Mr Khan acknowledged that while the glasses have legitimate uses, concerns about their misuse are valid.

The Mayor stated that TfL is committed to supporting victims, ensuring offenders are dealt with, and that awareness campaigns reflect the risks posed by new technologies. He added that existing laws and powers can be used to address instances where technology is employed to harass or intimidate.

TfL's efforts to enhance safety include expanding CCTV coverage, providing mandatory sexual harassment training for frontline staff, supporting trials of Live Facial Recognition technology, and incorporating women's safety audits into public space design. The organisation also has an Ending Violence Against Women and Girls programme.

Broader bans on AI glasses

The debate over AI glasses extends beyond the transport network. In early August, several venues across the UK began banning the technology due to privacy concerns. ATG theatres, which operates a dozen venues in the West End, requires visitors to remove AI glasses upon entry. Wetherspoons, a pub chain with 818 sites across the UK, has also implemented a ban.