Organizer of ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona Responds to Exhibitor Intellectual Property Concerns Over Covert Smart Glasses
WorldGaming, the organizer behind major industry events such as ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona, has updated its Good Neighbour policy to explicitly prohibit the use of Meta Glasses and other wearable recording devices. The update bans gadgets capable of discreetly capturing audio, video, or images across its exhibition environments.
The policy shift follows direct appeals from exhibitors worried about potential intellectual property (IP) infringements, unauthorized copying of proprietary designs, and threats to R&D investments. Under the revised guidelines, all photography, filming, and recording must be conducted openly, with appropriate consent, and in full alignment with the event’s Code of Conduct.
Protecting Industry Innovation and Privacy
Margaret Dunn, portfolio director responsible for ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona, emphasized the necessity of safeguarding exhibitors from covert recording risks.
“We were contacted by exhibitors concerned that their IP was in danger of being compromised by the use of smart glasses,” Dunn stated. “Copyright infringements undermine responsible progressive businesses and devalue their investment in R&D – which is the lifeblood of every creative and dynamic industry such as ours. ICE and iGB Affiliate Barcelona are at the intersection of where gaming meets technology and we need to protect and support the industry innovators in every way possible: hence the decision to amend our Good Neighbour policy to ban the use of devices which can enable covert recording.”
The updated policy language notes that wearable recording devices enable capture without the clear knowledge or consent of attendees, exhibitors, or staff, undermining a professional, privacy-conscious atmosphere. This measure aligns WorldGaming with similar restrictions introduced across hospitality, entertainment, and public sectors worldwide.
