Maharashtra govt to set up expert panel for AI smart glasses SOPs, says minister

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government will set up an expert committee to formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the use of AI-powered smart glasses, Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar announced on Wednesday.

The proposed panel will comprise experts from the fields of technology, cybersecurity, law, privacy, academia and law enforcement. It will study the implications of AI-enabled wearable devices and recommend guidelines to ensure their responsible and secure use across the state.

The decision comes amid the increasing popularity of AI-powered smart glasses capable of recording videos, capturing images, processing voice commands and providing real-time information through artificial intelligence. While the technology has found applications in education, healthcare, manufacturing and everyday communication, it has also raised concerns over privacy, surveillance and data protection.

Speaking on the initiative, Shelar said the government intends to strike a balance between promoting technological innovation and safeguarding citizens' rights. He noted that the expert panel would prepare comprehensive SOPs covering issues such as public usage, data collection, consent, storage of recordings and cybersecurity safeguards.

According to the minister, the committee will also examine the legal and ethical aspects surrounding wearable AI devices and recommend measures to prevent misuse. The SOPs are expected to serve as a framework for government departments, educational institutions, businesses and the general public using AI-powered smart glasses.

The move follows growing global discussions over wearable AI technology, with devices becoming increasingly capable of facial recognition, live translation, navigation assistance and hands-free access to AI assistants. These advancements have prompted policymakers in several countries to evaluate regulatory frameworks for emerging AI-powered consumer technologies.

Industry experts have welcomed the Maharashtra government's decision, saying clear guidelines could encourage responsible innovation while providing certainty for users, developers and businesses. At the same time, privacy advocates have called for robust safeguards to ensure that the technology is not misused for unauthorized surveillance or data collection.

The formation of the expert panel reflects Maharashtra's broader efforts to strengthen AI governance as the adoption of artificial intelligence accelerates across sectors. The committee is expected to submit its recommendations after consultations with stakeholders, following which the government may issue formal SOPs for AI smart glasses.