Australia expands smart glasses bans in public spaces over privacy concerns

Local government councils across Australia, including the City of Sydney, are implementing bans on smart glasses in public facilities such as pools, gyms, libraries, and childcare centers. These measures follow federal restrictions on the devices in government-run workplaces. Officials cite growing concerns regarding non-consensual recording and harassment, with some local leaders advocating for a national import ban until stronger privacy standards are established. In Western Australia, the state government has also prohibited the use of smart glasses in public schools starting October 12. The move reflects a broader international trend of regulating wearable recording technology to protect public privacy. A University of Sydney study highlighted these concerns, suggesting that a significant portion of content captured by such devices could be classified as harassment. While exemptions exist for accessibility devices, the push for stricter regulation continues as authorities seek to prevent the privacy issues observed in other countries.