Philadelphia courts ban all smart/AI eyeglasses, violators could face arrest
The Philadelphia Court system has banned all smart/AI eyeglasses from courtrooms and soon, anyone who attempts to bring any eyeglasses with audio and/or video recording capabilities into a courtroom in the city could face arrest.
On Tuesday, court officials announced that starting Monday, March 30, 2026, any eyeglasses — both prescription and non-prescription — that have video and/or audio recording capabilities, will be forbidden inside any First Judicial District (FJD-Philadelphia Courts) of Pennsylvania courthouse, building, or office without the court’s express written permission.
Anyone with any type of audio/video/listening/recording device, including all cameras and/or cell phones, will also be strictly forbidden inside, officials said.
“There already exists a long-standing prohibition on recording devices of any kind in FJD courtrooms,” FJD Court Administrator Richard McSorely said in a statement. “Adding Smart/META eye glasses to the prohibition will further enhance privacy measures and help lessen witness or juror intimidation by preventing any video recording of them.”
If someone is observed using these kind of eyeglasses — or any other device — to take video and/or photos or record audio in courtrooms or inside courthouses could also face contempt charges, along with arrest and prosecution.
