The New York State Unified Court System announced on July 8, 2026 that the use of smart glasses is now banned during court proceedings throughout the state’s courts. The directive applies uniformly to every state courtroom in New York, covering all levels of the state judicial system.
The policy was issued to safeguard the integrity of courtroom proceedings and to protect the privacy of participants. By prohibiting wearable devices capable of recording, transmitting, or augmenting visual information, the court system aims to prevent any unauthorized capture of testimony, evidence, or confidential discussions that occur within the judicial setting.
Under the new rule, anyone entering a New York state courtroom will be required to leave smart glasses, such as augmented‑reality or similar wearable technology, outside the courtroom or otherwise ensure they are disabled before entering. Court staff are expected to enforce the restriction and to inform litigants, attorneys, jurors, and the public of the requirement.
The ban reflects the court system’s broader effort to maintain a controlled environment where the focus remains on the legal process without the distraction or potential security risks posed by advanced wearable devices. Officials indicated that the measure is intended to preserve both the procedural fairness of trials and the confidentiality owed to parties involved.
Implementation of the ban begins immediately following the July 8 announcement. The New York State Unified Court System will monitor compliance and may issue further guidance as needed to ensure that the prohibition is consistently applied across all state courts.
The decision marks a statewide stance on emerging technology in the courtroom, signaling that the protection of judicial integrity and privacy takes precedence over the convenience of personal smart‑glass devices.