Image via Office of Court Administration
The New York State court system is officially training its eyes on smart glasses, the computer-enhanced eyewear can surreptitiously record audio and video from its wearer’s point of view.
The Office of Court Administration officially began to ban eyewear or headwear technology containing a camera, microphone, computer, or other technology that permits video or audio on Monday, July 20.
The ban extends to both prescription or non-prescription inside any court system facility. The rule is in keeping with the court system’s stance on photo and video inside the court system generally. Taking photographs, video footage and audio or live broadcasting are expressly forbidden inside all state courthouses — both in courtrooms and office or hallways — is not allowed without official permission.
The court rationale for the ban is to ensure that individuals cannot secretly record court proceedings in violation of the New York State Civil Rights Law and applicable court rules.
Owners of smart glasses will now have to leave their eyewear with court security for safekeeping while inside court buildings.
This prohibition applies not just to litigants, family members and members of the public but to attorneys and court system employees.