Newsom Vetoes Smart Glasses Privacy Bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have required smart glasses to flash a bright light whenever they recorded. That law barred disabling the light and made it a misdemeanor to record people in offices or retail stores without consent. Newsom said the language would sweep in smartwatches and other everyday devices, causing confusion and duplicating existing privacy laws. He noted California already criminalizes recording in places where people reasonably expect privacy. Meta sold 7 million pairs of glasses last year, while Snap teamed up with Robert Downey Jr. to develop AR experiences. Meta's current models flash a white LED whenever the camera is on. The company closed a loophole that let users cover the light mid-recording. Louisiana and Pennsylvania lawmakers are enacting rules, requiring users to notify people when recording or preventing biometric data use without consent. Newsom's veto leaves existing statutes in place, while tech firms refine their own safeguards. His message, "the bill speaks for itself," signals a cautious stance toward expanding regulation beyond what is already required.