California Governor Newsom Vetoes Wearable Recording Bill
Governor Newsom blocked legislation that would have mandated visible recording indicators on wearable technology by 2028.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Legislative Policy
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In September 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a proposed bill that sought to require prominent recording indicators on wearable devices. The legislation aimed to criminalize unauthorized recordings in certain physical spaces and mandate unblockable indicator lights.
Why it matters
Governor Newsom argued that the bill would have reached too far into common everyday devices like smartwatches and would have unnecessarily duplicated existing state privacy protections. He maintained that current laws already criminalize recording individuals in areas where they have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
The vetoed legislation proposed maximum fines of $1,500 for recording violations and $2,500 in civil penalties for device-sale requirements. This comes after Meta reported selling over 7 million pairs of smart glasses last year.
The players
Gavin Newsom
The current Governor of California who serves as the state's chief executive and holds veto power over legislative proposals.
Meta
A multinational technology conglomerate that develops hardware including smart glasses and social media platforms.
The details
Under current standards, Meta's second-generation smart glasses already feature a white indicator light and a system that disables the camera if the light is obstructed. The bill would have codified these features as requirements for all similar wearables starting in 2028.
Timeline
Last year: Meta sold over 7 million pairs of smart glasses.
This year: Louisiana enacted a law requiring smart-glasses users to notify people when recording.
September 2026: Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed the smart glasses privacy bill.
October 2026: A Pennsylvania House committee advanced a smart-glasses recording bill.
2028: Proposed date for recording indicator requirements to begin.
Political Context
The veto aligns with a broader pushback from some lawmakers against technology-specific mandates that could duplicate existing California's existing laws criminalizing recording in private places. Critics of the veto argue that these specific hardware requirements are necessary to address unique privacy risks posed by modern wearable tech.
Residents will not see new mandatory recording indicator features on wearable devices as a result of state law. Privacy protections regarding unauthorized recording remain governed by existing statutes that already restrict recording where a reasonable expectation of privacy exists.
The takeaway
While the veto prevents specific hardware mandates in California, the landscape for wearable privacy remains in flux across the country. Users should stay informed of local recording laws, as states like Louisiana have already moved to enact their own specific notification requirements.
Further reading
For more background on state regulations, visit the Legislative Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fortune.
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