Smart glasses effectively barred in Senedd chamber pending review

The presiding officer of the Senedd, Huw Irranca-Davies, has in effect barred the use of smart glasses in the Welsh Parliament while a review is carried out. The Senedd is the parliament for Wales, and the presiding officer is the chair who oversees its proceedings.

BBC News reported that the decision reverses an earlier ruling. In a letter dated 20 October, Mr Irranca-Davies had allowed Members of the Senedd, known as MSs, to use smart glasses as a teleprompter in the chamber, the debating room, provided they gave him advance notice. A teleprompter shows a speaker the text they are reading.

His office has since told MSs that he will not consider any other requests to use AI-equipped glasses in the chamber until the review has reported. No MSs will use smart glasses technology until the review is completed.

The episode began when Reform MS Jason O'Connell used smart glasses as a teleprompter to help make a speech in the Senedd. His glasses do not have a camera. O'Connell has voluntarily agreed not to use them until the review into their use on the Senedd estate, the buildings and grounds the parliament occupies, comes to an end.

The next stage of the Senedd Commission's review will include consultation with MSs and staff. It is due to be completed by the end of 2026, with recommendations to be brought forward in the new year.

The arrangements cover the Senedd only and do not apply to other legislatures in the UK.