Brazil's Chamber Approves Rules for AI-Enabled Smart Glasses

The Chamber of Deputies' Transport and Transit Committee approved Bill 19/26, establishing regulations for the commercialisation and use of AI‑powered smart glasses in Brazil. Drivers may use the devices only in a designated “driving mode” limited to navigation, driver‑assistance and other assistive functions. Any use outside this mode while operating a vehicle is classified as a grave traffic offence, triggering suspension of the driver’s licence and a triple‑priced fine of roughly R$880.

The legislation also imposes obligations on manufacturers and suppliers, such as installing permanent visual or audio indicators when recording, disabling facial‑recognition or biometric identification by default, and embedding data‑protection safeguards from product design. Use of the glasses is prohibited in locations with an expectation of privacy—including bathrooms, changing rooms, hospitals, classrooms and places of worship—as well as in public examinations and mass‑surveillance scenarios. New criminal provisions add offences for illicit use of the technology, punishable by two to four years’ imprisonment, with increased penalties when victims are children, the elderly or persons with disabilities. The bill now proceeds to further committee review before a plenary vote and eventual Senate approval.