The federal government is examining a potential ban on smart glasses across Commonwealth workplaces, including public service offices, Centrelink service centers, and research facilities, according to Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher. The consideration comes as multiple local councils throughout Australia have implemented restrictions on the technology over privacy and security concerns.
Gallagher stated the government is seeking clear guidance on whether smart glasses should be prohibited in federal workplaces, citing legitimate concerns about their recording capabilities and potential to capture sensitive information. She emphasized the need for consistent policies across the public service and positioned the potential ban as an opportunity for the Commonwealth to establish itself as a “model employer” by setting national standards.
Several Australian councils have already moved to restrict smart glasses in specific venues. Canterbury-Bankstown council recently banned the devices from public pools, following similar prohibitions implemented by Brisbane city council and Melbourne’s Yarra city council in earlier months. The City of Sydney and Blacktown councils have also enacted restrictions preventing users from recording in swimming facilities. A University of Sydney study examining smart glasses-recorded content found approximately 60% of sampled videos could constitute potential harassment.
However, the government has not pursued a comprehensive import ban on the technology. Federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland indicated the approach would balance privacy protection with avoiding unfair treatment of users who rely on smart glasses for accessibility purposes. Vision Australia and disability advocates have supported the technology as an assistive device for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Rowland stated the government had not “ruled anything out” regarding restrictions but emphasized the importance of balancing competing interests.
International precedent remains limited. Courts in England, Wales, and New York have implemented bans, while U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reportedly classified the glasses as body-worn cameras and restricted their use in federal workspaces. The federal government’s consideration of restrictions follows its recent release of guidance for artificial intelligence use within the public service.
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