California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed SB-1130, a bill that would have made it a misdemeanor to secretly record people with smart glasses and other wearables in places with a reasonable expectation of privacy.

As written, the law covered changing rooms and doctors’ offices inside businesses. It would also have required manufacturers to keep a recording indicator lit during video or audio capture, and banned the sale of gadgets built to mask that light or sound. Violations carried up to $1,500 in fines or a jail sentence.

In a letter to the State Senate, Newsom called the wording too broad. He argued the definition of a “wearable recording device” could sweep in smartwatches and other everyday gear, creating confusion and unintended consequences.

The governor also noted California already bans secret recording where privacy is expected, and it runs a two-party consent rule for conversations. He signaled that narrower, more specific language could still win his signature.

TechNet, an industry group whose members include major platforms, opposed the measure. The veto lands as camera glasses draw mounting restrictions worldwide, with schools, venues and regulators tightening rules faster than lawmakers can write them. Privacy advocates wanted a clear statewide standard and will now wait for a rewrite.

Source: Engadget