WorldGaming Week announces ban on Meta Glasses and wearable recording devices to protect exhibitor IP

WorldGaming, organisers of ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona, has updated its Good Neighbour policy to ban the use of Meta Glasses and wearable recording devices.

The update to the conditions confirms: “For the privacy and security of all attendees, exhibitors and staff, Meta Glasses and other wearable devices capable of discreetly recording audio, video or images are not permitted to be worn or used at the event.” 

It continues: “These devices can enable recording without the clear knowledge or consent of those being captured, which is inconsistent with our commitment to a professional, respectful and privacy-conscious environment. Any photography, filming or recording at the event must be conducted openly and in accordance with our Code of Conduct and with the appropriate consent.”

WorldGaming joins a growing wave of venue owners, entertainment brands and live events to have introduced similar bans. In August the UK pub chain JD Wetherspoon announced a ban on customers wearing smart glasses across all of its more than 800 venues following concerns about privacy. Similar policies have been introduced in theatres, restaurants, in law courts, at airport security and across military establishments.

Expanding on the ban, Margaret Dunn, portfolio director responsible for ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona, said: “We were contacted by exhibitors concerned that their IP was in danger of being compromised by the use of smart glasses.

“Copyright infringements undermine responsible progressive businesses and devalue their investment in R&D, which is the lifeblood of every creative and dynamic industry such as ours. ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona are at the intersection of where gaming meets technology and we need to protect and support the industry innovators in every way possible; hence the decision to amend our Good Neighbour policy to ban the use of devices which can enable covert recording.”