FOSS4G NA 2026 Code of Conduct Update Bans Hidden Recording
Written by Nick Santos for the FOSS4G NA 2026 Steering Committee.
Today the Steering Committee of FOSS4G NA 2026 updated the Code of Conduct to add a section prohibiting non-obvious recording, including an outright prohibition on smart glasses with cameras. People who have already registered will be receiving a notification about the update to the Code of Conduct and anyone registering in the future will agree to this new document.
What conference attendees need to know
You will not be allowed into the conference with smart glasses capable of recording. If you wear prescription lenses, make sure to bring another pair of glasses or contacts.
All non-obvious recording is prohibited, including always-on transcription from new smart watches such as the Apple Watch.
You may still take photos with a standard camera if it is clear to nearby people that you are photographing (see below).
Attendees who notice any violations of this policy should immediately communicate with conference organizers as stated in the Code of Conduct.
Why the steering committee made this change
We are losing private spaces to pervasive recording. FOSS4G NA is a conference about cutting edge technology, but that technology is about your freedom to build anything you need. The impact of surveillance technology on people’s behavior and experience is demonstrably negative and creates new personal safety hazards for women, immigrants, and all marginalized groups.
We understand that some people see these kinds of devices as wonderful assistants that enhance their experience. The organizers see an overriding safety interest for all attendees. The experience of people on the other side of your glasses is quite different and often alarming. With the current state of the technology, people wonder if smart glasses are recording, where they are streaming to, and who is watching - dramatically impacting the safety to express yourself in all forms. We prohibited smart glasses and non-obvious recording to ensure all attendees have harassment-free experiences and the safety of knowing who can see or hear them.
Conference attendees remain free to take pictures, so long as it is done in a way that is clear to nearby attendees that they are being recorded, such as with a phone or other camera extended appropriately. The ability to see at a glance who is recording allows someone with any discomfort to leave the location or request not to be included - a key distinction from small devices with embedded cameras that do not need to be moved to start recording.
Updated text
The text of the updated Code of Conduct is what participants will be expected to follow. This post provides a summary. In addition to the section on recording, we also added language in the opening clarifying that the Code of Conduct applies to all conference activities.
In Section 1.3 Behaviors Not Tolerated we added the following:
Non-obvious recording of any kind, including:
No use of hidden or disguised cameras, phones, microphones, or other devices to photograph, record, livestream, or transcribe conference activities without authorization.
Watches and other smart devices capable of always-on recording and transcribing audio, such as Apple Watch, must have that functionality disabled.
Smart glasses, watches, and other wearable technology, whether audio, photo, or video. Meta-style smart glasses with cameras are prohibited. For prescription eyewear, be sure to bring non-electronic glasses. If smart glasses provide accessibility functionality for you, please reach out to the organizers listed at the top for a reasonable accommodation.
The organizers further encourage that even when recording obviously (e.g. phone fully out, arm extended), that you confirm that anyone identifiable in the photo or video is comfortable with being recorded.