Monopoly Events, the promoter behind some of the UK’s biggest comic and entertainment conventions, has banned Meta glasses and other wearable recording devices from its events to stop “secret filming” of guests and attendees. The company said a number of guests had told it they would be reluctant to appear at Comic-Con shows again after recordings were made without their knowledge.
The ban applies to Meta glasses and any other “wearable recording devices”. Attendees caught using the devices will be asked to leave the convention, although some fans on social media warned the move could negatively affect disabled attendees.
Devices like Meta glasses feature an almost invisible camera in the frames, with small speakers in the arms. Wearers can record video or take a photo by touching the frame - usually activating a light on the glasses in the process.
In a social media statement, Monopoly Events said:
After a consultation period we can no longer permit the wearing of any recording device at our events.
The vast majority of the talent and agents at our events felt that these were a violation of their privacy and were damaging and spoiling the interactions at the tables. Several expressed concerns that they might not continue to attend in-person events if they were being recorded in secret.
We had similar feedback from event attendees, many of whom are not comfortable with the knowledge that other convention goers might be filming them without consent.
Anyone seen using one of these devices might be asked to leave the event and forfeit any unfulfilled autographs or photographs they had purchased. Please let's make these events a safe space for everyone.
Fans often dress up in costume when attending the events.
Monopoly Events runs scores of conventions, including Comic-Cons in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and the north east on England. It also organises specialised events dedicated to professional wrestling, horror and anime, featuring celebrity guests from across the world.
The announcement has been met with mixed views by fans. Some praised the decision, saying they had no desire to be “plastered all over some drab blogging YouTube page”, while others said they did not like the possibility of children being filmed by people they did not know.
It's one thing walking around with your phone, which someone could see and ask you not to film them, but your glasses aren't as obvious.
Could this affect disabled people?
However, others raised concerns about the impact on disabled people. One wrote:
Have you considered how this will affect disabled people and how that affects you under the Equality Act? Many people in the blind and partially-sighted community use them to safely navigate surroundings and be able to attend the event.
There was also scepticism from some fans regarding how enforceable a ban would actually be.
Female attendees at comic conventions have previously spoken out about suffering harassment and unwanted attention from other people while there.
Earlier this week the ferry operator CalMac paused bridge visits on its vessels after a passenger used “smart glasses” to film without permission. The man was caught filming passengers and crew using Meta glasses.
