Australian councils ban smart glasses faster than federal government acts
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council bans smart glasses from pools. Councils are moving faster than the federal government.
Smart glasses with built-in cameras have become a privacy concern across Australia. Councils are working to restrict them before federal and state governments.
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council has banned them from swimming pools to protect residents' privacy. Canterbury-Bankstown and Brisbane have already banned them.
Melbourne's Yarra City Council has banned them from playgrounds, childcare centres and gyms. The devices, including Meta's $700 Ray-Ban version, can record video without being obvious.
Kmart pulled its $89 version after privacy concerns. The Albanese government said last month it is "seeking advice" about smart glasses and privacy guidance for public servants.
Some countries have moved faster. A large pub chain and cinemas in the UK have refused them.
Courts have banned camera-fitted glasses in Britain and New York.
- Around $700
- Meta Ray-Ban price
- $89
- Kmart version price
Why it mattersSmart glasses can record people without clear consent. This puts women and children at particular risk of being filmed in private spaces.
AustraliaAustralian councils are setting rules ahead of federal law, leaving gaps where smart glasses remain unrestricted in other public spaces across the country.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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