Albanese government considers ‘world-leading’ ban on smart glasses in public office and buildings

The Albanese government is contemplating a "world-leading" ban on smart glasses in public offices and service centres due to privacy and security concerns. Minister for public service Katy Gallagher has sought professional advice from the Australian public service to determine whether such a ban should be implemented. Smart glasses, which are equipped with cameras, have raised legitimate concerns over privacy and security, especially in the context of their ability to record and capture information.

While commonwealth-run workplaces, including bureaucrats' offices, Centrelink service centres, and CSIRO laboratories, would be subject to the potential ban, state governments would retain the authority to set their own rules regarding the technology in schools and hospitals. A University of Sydney study found that 60% of smart glasses-filmed videos posted on Instagram could be classified as potential harassment.

Although no national government has banned the use of smart glasses across all agencies, courts in England and Wales and New York state have prohibited the technology. Some local councils in Australia, including Canterbury-Bankstown, Brisbane, and Melbourne, have already banned smart glasses from public spaces to address privacy concerns.

The federal attorney general has praised these decisions and expressed her intention to consult businesses on their approach. While the government is not pursuing a ban, it has not ruled out all options. Major businesses, including Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft, AGL, Telstra, Kmart, Blackmores Group, and Ramsay Health Care, have been invited to contribute to new national guidelines on AI in workplaces.