Australian government considers ban on smart glasses in public buildings
9 hours ago
- The Albanese government is considering a ban on smart glasses in its offices and service centers due to privacy and security concerns.
- The government avoided a sweeping import ban, instead encouraging individual workplaces to set their own rules.
- Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher requested advice on a potential prohibition, emphasizing the need for clear guidance.
- State-run schools and hospitals can set their own rules on smart glasses, which have grown popular but sparked public outcry.
- A University of Sydney study found 60% of smart glasses-filmed videos on Instagram could be classified as potential harassment.
- No national government has banned smart glasses across all agencies, but some UK courts and US states have imposed restrictions.
- Local councils in Australia, including Canterbury-Bankstown and Brisbane, have banned smart glasses from pools, playgrounds, and gyms.
- Disability advocates praised the technology for aiding the blind, while the government consulted businesses to balance privacy and inclusion.
- Pending restrictions follow recent AI guidelines for the public service, with major businesses contributing to national AI workplace rules.