California Governor Vetoes SB 1130 Regulating Wearable Recording Devices

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed legislation that would have restricted the use of wearable recording devices to record people without their consent.

In his veto message to lawmakers, Newsom said Senate Bill 1130 defined wearable recording devices too broadly or imprecisely, which could create confusion and unintended consequences. He also said parts of the proposal duplicated privacy protections already available under California law.

SB 1130 targeted recording through smart glasses.

The proposed SB 1130 sought to address secret recordings made with wearable devices such as smart glasses equipped with cameras and microphones. Violations could have resulted in penalties for users, while manufacturers that failed to comply with the requirements could also have faced fines.

The debate comes as AI-powered smart glasses and other wearable devices become more common, raising questions about whether nearby people know they are being recorded.

Products from companies including Meta and Snap can capture audio and video from eyewear, while other AI wearables have introduced similar always-available recording and listening capabilities. Meta sold more than 7 million wearable glasses last year, according to the source material.

Privacy concerns drove the proposal

Bill author Sen. Eloise Gómez Reyes said the legislation was intended to help California respond to the rapid spread of always-listening technology. She described the privacy concerns behind the proposal in comments reported by ABC News.

Wearable cameras have faced criticism following reports of people using them to record or harass others without their knowledge. Some critics have used the term “pervert glasses” to describe devices used in that way.

Newsom’s veto prevents SB 1130 from becoming law as written. His objections focused on the bill’s definitions and overlap with existing privacy rules rather than rejecting the broader concern about covert recording through wearable technology.