A Reform politician in the Welsh Parliament is employing smart glasses equipped with an in-built autocue feature to assist with delivering speeches in the Senedd chamber. Jason O'Connell, who represents the Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr constituency, last used the device during a speech on Tuesday and has defended the technology as a tool to boost his confidence and improve his oratory. According to BBC News, the Welsh Liberal Democrat leader has called for the glasses to be banned from use in the chamber, while the Senedd's presiding officer has confirmed that a review of the technology is underway.
O'Connell explained that the glasses display a digital script on the lenses, with text scrolling as he speaks and the ability to control the display via a ring worn on his finger. He acknowledged that some may perceive the device as misleading, but argued that his approach is no different from other methods of note-taking used by fellow members.
Why did O'Connell adopt the technology?
The Senedd member identified his tendency to look down at written notes as a weakness in his speaking style since his election to parliament in May.
"One of the things I identified as a weakness of mine was that my head was down looking at my notes a lot, and I wanted to get away from that and these glasses enable me to do that,"he said. O'Connell reported that the glasses have boosted his confidence "massively" as a new member adjusting to parliamentary debate.
How does O'Connell defend the glasses against accusations of deception?
When asked whether the device risked giving a false impression that he was speaking without notes, O'Connell rejected the suggestion.
"I'm delivering my words in the manner that I see fit. Other people might use an iPad, they might use a phone, they might use printed paper. This is the method that I find works best for me during those long debates. This is authentically my voice, and it's just me relaying that in the way that I feel most comfortable."He emphasised that the technology enables him to maintain eye contact with government members during scrutiny while communicating effectively with constituents.
What are the concerns about smart glasses in parliament?
While O'Connell's glasses do not contain a camera, concerns about smart glasses technology have intensified across public institutions. Members had suspected O'Connell of using the glasses during a 30 September speech, at a time when no specific rules governed electronic aids such as smart glasses in the chamber. The broader controversy surrounding smart glasses stems from privacy risks associated with recording capabilities; the Senedd Commission has since clarified that smart glasses may be used as a chamber teleprompter if the Llywydd is notified in advance, with recording remaining subject to existing rules.
The controversy reflects wider concerns about the technology. Reform MS Art Wright played down the backlash, saying O'Connell looked "a little more cool than normal", though this sentiment has not been universally shared. Beyond the Senedd, venues and councils have taken action against smart glasses; Monopoly Events banned Meta glasses and other wearable recording devices from UK conventions after guests raised concerns about secret filming and privacy.
What is the Welsh Liberal Democrat position?
Jane Dodds, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats, has called for a temporary prohibition on smart glasses in the Senedd until formal rules and regulations are established.
"What I've called for is that there is a ban on the use of smart glasses in the Welsh Parliament until we have rules and regulations in place which standardise them, and make sure that everybody can have access to them, if that's what they want as well,"she said. Dodds raised concerns that insufficient information exists about the full capabilities of the technology and stressed the importance of equal access for all members should the devices be permitted.
What is the Senedd's official position?
The Senedd's presiding officer has acknowledged both the potential benefits and risks of smart glasses technology. A spokesperson stated:
"Rapidly advancing technologies such as smart glasses offer opportunities to improve accessibility and support Members of the Senedd in their work, but we recognise that they also prompt concerns. A review of the use of this technology on the Senedd estate is under way, and we will bring forward its conclusions shortly."The Commission's message to members indicated that work was progressing "at pace" on wider guidance regarding the devices.
What happens next?
The Senedd Commission has committed to issuing a further update after completing its comprehensive review of smart-glasses use across the parliamentary estate, though no specific date has been announced for this conclusion. The review will determine whether formal regulations governing the use of such technology will be implemented and what standards, if any, will apply to members wishing to use smart glasses in the chamber.
