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

The Albanese government is contemplating a "world-leading" ban on the use of smart glasses in public offices and buildings. Minister for public service Katy Gallagher has sought advice from the Australian public service regarding whether these camera-equipped devices should be prohibited. The public service minister cited privacy and security concerns as reasons for the potential ban, particularly due to their ability to record and capture information.

Smart glasses have gained popularity but have also raised public outcry, with a University of Sydney study finding that 60% of a sample could be classified as potential harassment. While no national government has banned the glasses' use across their agencies, courts in England and Wales and New York state have done so, and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has classified them as body-worn cameras and barred them from the "federal workspace."

Local councils in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and other cities have issued targeted bans on the use of smart glasses in public spaces. The federal attorney general, Michelle Rowland, praised councils' decisions and said she would consult businesses on their approach, emphasizing the importance of balancing privacy and the benefits of the technology.

The government is not pursuing a ban but has not ruled anything out. Major businesses, including Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft, AGL, Telstra, Kmart, Blackmores Group, and Ramsay Health Care, will contribute to new national guidelines on AI in workplaces.