‘We don’t want what’s happening in the US to happen here’: Australia’s smart glasses ban extends to even more public areas
Major local government council City of Sydney and the Western Australian government have joined a growing number of institutions banning the use of smart glasses in public areas, as Australia mulls a wider federal ban across the country.
The City of Sydney has joined four other Australian local councils in banning the use of smart glasses in specific public areas, following a federal government announcement that the devices will be prohibited in government buildings. The ban covers public pools, gyms, childcare centers, libraries, and town halls in Sydney and will be updated with new signage and guidance.
City of Sydney spokesperson explained that recording without consent is prohibited and that recording devices, including smart glasses, are banned in change rooms and other areas of aquatic facilities. Reminders have been issued through member communications, and staff will respond to any behavior that may violate the conditions of entry.
The City of Sydney councilor Matthew Thompson stated that there will be exemptions for accessibility devices, such as smart glasses used by individuals with vision and hearing loss. Thompson also called for an import ban on these devices until privacy laws and standards are strengthened, as incidents of women being targeted and recorded without consent have been reported in various parts of the world.
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