# Australia bans Meta smart glasses from workplaces

> Australia is moving toward a national ban on Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, citing privacy concerns and misuse in public spaces.
- Title: Australia bans Meta smart glasses from workplaces · Futurism
- Summary: Australia is moving toward a national ban on Meta's AI-powered smart glasses, citing privacy concerns and misuse in public spaces. Australia could become the…
- Keywords: australia, meta, smart glasses, privacy, workplace ban, government regulation, surveillance, public safety, tech policy, science, technology, bans
- Source: Futurism — https://futurism.com/future-society/australia-smart-glasses-ban
- Author: Frank Landymore
- Published: 2026-09-20T18:01:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: australia, meta, smart glasses, privacy, workplace ban, government regulation, ai, surveillance, public safety, tech policy, science, technology
## Australia targets smart glasses ban
Australia's government is considering a "world-leading" national ban on Meta's AI-powered smart glasses in federal workplaces, citing privacy and security concerns.

> Smart glasses can raise legitimate privacy and security concerns, particularly because of their ability to record and capture information.
## Why the glasses sparked outrage
Men wearing the glasses have been filming strangers without consent, harassing women with pick-up lines, and posting pranks online. Some schoolboys are building followings this way.
## Privacy concerns go beyond pranks
The glasses have always-on microphones and can record people in public without their knowledge or consent, raising fundamental privacy violations.
## Other bans have been scattered
Some US and UK courts and various businesses like restaurants and nightclubs have prohibited the glasses, but Australia would be the first national government ban.
## Meta's response falls short
Meta said it would ban accounts of creators misusing the glasses and disable cameras of offenders, but critics say these measures don't address the core problem.
## Australia sets the global example
As one of the country's largest employers, the federal government's ban could influence private companies and inspire other nations to adopt similar restrictions.
## Key takeaway

Australia could become the first country to ban smart glasses nationally, setting a precedent that other governments may follow.