Australia Ponders First-of-Its-Kind Smart Glasses Ban
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has sought advice on whether the devices should be prohibited, as privacy concerns grow over their ability to record people.
- Australia is considering a ban on camera-equipped smart glasses in Commonwealth workplaces, citing privacy and security risks. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has requested advice from the Australian Public Service Commission on potential restrictions.
- Growing global concerns regarding covert recording risks have prompted this scrutiny as affordable devices become widely available. Norway's capital Oslo banned the glasses in schools last month, and England and Wales prohibited their use in courts.
- Gallagher argued the Australian Public Service must act as a "model employer," asking the commission to advise if devices should be "prohibited in some settings" and what exemptions might apply for "legitimate uses" by federal bureaucrats.
- Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth will host major employers on Friday for an AI roundtable to inform national workplace guidance. Consultations aim to ensure standards reflect the "realities of modern workplaces" while balancing innovation with worker protections.
- Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will depart on Friday for California to meet Apple chairman Tim Cook to discuss digital safety. He maintains it is vital to put the "right protections in place as technology evolves.
20 Articles
20 Articles
Australia Considers Nationwide Ban on Smart Glasses in Government Facilities
Australia is considering a broad ban on smart glasses in government buildings and operations due to serious privacy, data collection, and national security risks. The proposal, driven by concerns over unauthorized recording and foreign data exploitation, could position the country as a global leader in restricting such wearable technology.
The Australian government is considering banning the use of smart glasses in federal buildings, citing privacy and security concerns related to the ability of devices to record people without their knowledge.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Australia mulls first-ever smart glasses ban for certain workplaces
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was important that Australia, which last year became the first place in the world to ban social media for teens, put the ‘right protections in place as technology evolves’
Government seeks advice on prohibiting recording-capable devices in Commonwealth workplaces amid privacy, security concerns
Australia is considering a ban on the use of camera-equipped smart glasses in government offices. The proposal comes amid growing privacy and security concerns, in what is being described as the first such ban in the world. “Smart glasses raise legitimate privacy and security concerns, particularly because of their ability to collect and record information. We need clear and consistent guidance for public servants,” the Australian Minister for P…
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