Anime Washington Policy:
Smart Glasses, Wearable Recorders, and Covert Recording

Anime Washington is a private event on private property. Entry is a license, not a right. That license may be revoked at any time for violation of this policy.

Prohibited devices
The following devices are not permitted on the show floor, in celebrity areas, photo-ops, autograph lines, panels, vendor aisles, or any other event space, whether powered on or off:

  • Meta / Ray-Ban Meta glasses and any similar camera-enabled smart glasses
  • Oakley, Ray-Ban, or other frames with built-in cameras, microphones, or live-streaming
  • Hidden, concealed, or “spy” cameras and microphones (buttons, pens, pins, jewelry, bags, or clothing)
  • Body cameras, audio pendants, and wearable recorders used without clear, visible notice and consent
  • Any device used to capture audio or video of another person without that person’s knowledge, permission, and consent

Ordinary prescription glasses with no camera or microphone are allowed. If your only pair is camera-equipped, bring a non-recording pair. Devices must be left outside the venue or secured off the floor before entry.

Celebrity Autograph Areas and Pro Photo Op Areas
Unauthorized recording of exchanges or interactions in celebrity areas is prohibited. Autographs, photo-ops, and table conversations may be recorded only if the guest and the convention have authorized a specific paid video or audio package. Wearable devices must be off and stored before entering these zones.

Washington Law
Washington is an all-party (two-party) consent state for recording private conversations. Recording audio of a conversation without the consent of all participants can be a crime, separate from this house rule. A tiny LED on smart glasses does not equal consent. “I didn’t know it was recording” is not a defense at this event.

Visible phones and cameras

Handheld phones and conventional cameras remain allowed in general public areas, subject to posted signs, staff direction, and basic consent:

  • Ask before photographing a person
  • Cosplay is not consent
  • Do not photograph or record minors without a parent or guardian’s permission
  • Stop immediately if someone objects
  • No recording of panels, screenings, or unreleased footage

Intent must be obvious. A phone held in the open is not the same as a camera in an eyeglass frame.

Accessibility

If a wearable device is a documented disability-related aid (for example captioning or navigation) and not used to record others, contact the convention in advance. We will consider a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. There is no walk-up exception for Meta-style recording glasses.

Enforcement

Staff and security may inspect eyewear and require removal of a device. Anyone found wearing, carrying, or using a prohibited recorder may be removed without refund and may forfeit unused autographs, photo-ops, and other paid items. Serious or covert recording may be referred to law enforcement. Attendees should report suspected secret recording to staff or security during the show, while the person can still be identified.

By entering Anime Washington, you agree to this policy.

The policies listed are subject to change at any time deemed necessary. The most current version will be available on the event website the days of the event.

Policies last updated on July 5, 2026.