A significant political movement is underway in Australia to ban the import of smart glasses, driven by concerns that the camera-equipped eyewear is being used to secretly record individuals in public spaces. The Greens party has spearheaded this campaign, labeling the devices "pervert glasses" and advocating for an import ban to address what they describe as a gap in privacy laws.
The call for a ban comes as more affordable smart glasses, including alternatives to Meta's Ray-Ban models, become accessible through retailers. The Greens argue that these devices allow for covert filming without consent, posing a risk to personal safety and privacy, particularly for women and children. "Our privacy laws were written decades before this technology ever existed, and big tech is exploiting the gap," the party's petition states.
Senator David Shoebridge of the Greens highlighted the discreet nature of the cameras embedded in the glasses, which can capture video, photos, and live streams. He expressed concern that the technology could be used to film individuals in private settings like changing rooms or public areas such as beaches and children's events without their knowledge.
The Greens are proposing a 12-month ban on the importation of camera-enabled smart glasses to allow Parliament time to update privacy legislation. This push has created an unusual situation for some political figures, including Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, whose husband, Ben Oquist, has been observed wearing Meta smart glasses and using them to create content for his personal social media.
Despite this personal connection, a spokesperson for Senator Hanson-Young stated that her stance remains unchanged, supporting a ban on unregulated smart glasses until robust privacy legislation is enacted. Other lawmakers, such as Independent MP Kate Chaney and Senator David Pocock, have also urged Attorney-General Michelle Rowland to consider an import ban.
Attorney-General Rowland has acknowledged the public's growing unease regarding the technology, noting that research indicates a significant percentage of uploaded point-of-view material from such devices could be classified as harassment. She emphasized the particular risks to vulnerable groups, including children and victims of violence. However, Rowland indicated that the ongoing government review of privacy laws is not specifically examining import restrictions, citing potential consequences for trade and foreign affairs. Despite this, she did not rule out future actions concerning the technology.
In parallel with the federal debate, Brisbane City Council has implemented new rules prohibiting the secret filming of others at its public swimming pools. These restrictions apply to smart glasses, mobile phones, and other recording devices, allowing staff to remove individuals found recording without permission. This move makes Brisbane one of Australia's first major councils to explicitly address wearable camera technology in public spaces.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has called on both Queensland and federal governments to enhance privacy protections for residents.