Senedd member says smart glasses help with speeches in the Senedd

Jason O’Connell, a politician from the Reform party, has begun utilizing smart glasses equipped with an autocue function to assist him during speeches in the Welsh Parliament. He shared that this modern technology has significantly increased his confidence while addressing the Senedd. Speaking to the BBC’s Politics Wales programme, O’Connell emphasized that his use of the glasses does not misrepresent his speech as being delivered without notes. “I’m delivering my words in the manner that I see fit,” he stated.

The smart glasses project a digital script onto the lenses, allowing O’Connell to read his speech seamlessly as the text scrolls in front of his eyes. A ring worn on his finger gives him control over the pace of the scrolling. Since being elected to represent the Pontypridd Cynon Merthyr constituency in May, he has been exploring ways to enhance his public speaking. O’Connell identified that frequently looking down at paper notes was a weakness in his delivery and explained, “These glasses enable me to do that,” referring to the ability to maintain eye contact without breaking his flow to check written prompts.

While O’Connell praises the device for helping him deliver speeches more effectively and boosting his confidence, the use of such technology has become a point of debate. Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Jane Dodds has called for a ban on smart glasses within the Senedd until formal rules and regulations are established. She expressed concerns about fairness and transparency, stating that all Members of the Senedd should have equal access if such devices become part of parliamentary proceedings. Dodds also highlighted uncertainty about the glasses’ full capabilities, particularly given the controversies surrounding smart glasses in general, especially those containing cameras.

The Senedd’s presiding officer’s office has acknowledged both the potential benefits and challenges posed by the use of this emerging technology. A spokesperson noted that while smart glasses might improve accessibility and assist members in their duties, there are concerns that need addressing. They confirmed that a review of smart glasses’ use on the Senedd premises is currently underway, with conclusions expected shortly. Unlike some models of smart glasses that have generated privacy worries, O’Connell’s glasses do not include a camera, differentiating them from more controversial devices

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More