From the Guardian · · 2m
Australia eyes world-first ban on smart glasses at work
The Albanese government is considering prohibiting camera-equipped glasses in federal offices and service centres over privacy concerns.
In brief
The Albanese government is considering prohibiting camera-equipped glasses in federal offices and service centres over privacy concerns. Australia is moving toward a world-leading ban on smart glasses in commonwealth workplaces, while councils nationwide are already restricting them in public spaces like pools and…
Australia considers world-first smart glasses ban
The Albanese government is weighing a ban on smart glasses in federal offices, service centres, and laboratories. Public service minister Katy Gallagher says the camera-equipped devices raise legitimate privacy and security concerns.
“Smart glasses can raise legitimate privacy and security concerns, particularly because of their ability to record and capture information.”
No nation has banned them yet
While no national government has imposed a blanket ban, courts in England, Wales, and New York have restricted the technology. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency classified them as body-worn cameras and barred them from federal workplaces.
Australian councils already taking action
Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Blacktown, and Canterbury-Bankstown councils have banned smart glasses from pools, playgrounds, childcare centres, and gyms. Canterbury-Bankstown's mayor called them pervert glasses.
Study finds harassment in smart glasses videos
A University of Sydney study found that 60 percent of smart glasses videos posted on Instagram could be classified as potential harassment. The research highlights why privacy advocates are pushing for restrictions.
Disability advocates support the technology
Vision Australia and people living with disabilities praise smart glasses as a support tool for those who are blind or have low vision. The government is balancing privacy concerns with accessibility needs.
“Businesses know that good privacy is good business.”
Attorney general seeks balanced approach
Federal attorney general Michelle Rowland said the government wants to get the balance right and not unfairly discriminate against people using the technology to participate in society. No ban has been ruled out.
Part of broader workplace tech reforms
Smart glasses restrictions follow new AI guidelines for the public service. The government is convening a roundtable with major businesses including Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft, and Telstra to develop national AI workplace standards.
The headline
Australia is moving toward a world-leading ban on smart glasses in commonwealth workplaces, while councils nationwide are already restricting them in public spaces like pools and playgrounds.
