Council moves to stop camera-equipped glasses in public facilities over privacy
Port Stephens Council plans to ban camera-equipped smart glasses from public facilities to prevent secret filming of children.
Councillor Giacomo Arnott will propose a ban on camera-equipped smart glasses. The ban would cover council pools, libraries and community buildings.
Medical exceptions would apply for people with low vision or hearing loss. The motion would also require anyone taking photos or filming in council buildings to get consent first.
Parental approval is needed for anyone under 18. Personal devices would be banned from open-air change rooms at pools.
Staff would warn and remove anyone who breaks the rule. Brisbane City Council and Yarra City Council have recently dealt with this issue.
Arnott's motion asks the general manager to write to every Hunter council. It seeks the same rules across the area.
- Giacomo Arnott
- Councillor
- Pools, libraries, community buildings
- Facilities targeted
- Brisbane City Council, Yarra City Council
- Other councils involved
- Hunter Joint Organisation
- Region
Why it mattersThe move protects children's privacy in public spaces. It also prevents voyeurism made possible by affordable wearable cameras.
AustraliaIf adopted, the policy would create a consistent protection across Hunter council facilities and potentially inspire similar bans across NSW and Australia.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 8 d ago
