Australian Councils Move to Ban Smart Glasses in Public Facilities

Local governments across Australia are implementing or considering bans on camera-equipped smart glasses in public facilities to combat non-consensual recording. In New South Wales, Wollongong City Council unanimously passed a motion to report on banning the devices from all council-owned facilities, while Randwick Council is considering prohibitions at beaches, playgrounds, and swimming pools. Similar restrictions have already been enacted by the City of Sydney, the City of Yarra, and Canterbury-Bankstown Council.

In Western Australia, the City of Vincent approved a report on potential bans at the Beatty Park Leisure Centre, and the City of Wanneroo is voting on a motion to prohibit filming without consent in staffed facilities. These local efforts align with a broader Western Australian mandate banning smart glasses in public school classrooms starting in term 4. In Port Stephens, Councillor Giacomo Arnott introduced a motion to ban the devices from libraries and pools, seeking regional consistency across the Hunter Joint Organisation.

Officials emphasize the need to protect women and children from predatory behavior, though several leaders have cautioned that bans must include exemptions for vision-impaired individuals who rely on the technology as assistive tools. The Australian eSafety Commissioner has also warned that blanket bans could breach disability discrimination laws. While Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has resisted calls for a national import ban, she has encouraged local councils to regulate the technology, and Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher is seeking advice on prohibiting the devices in Commonwealth workplaces.