As “smart glasses” capable of covertly recording everyday interactions grow more commonplace in Sydney, local government bodies are cracking down on the technology in order to quell privacy concerns.
On the North Shore, that means smart glasses will soon be prohibited at public pools, libraries and community centres.
What happened: In recent council meetings, both North Sydney and Mosman Council requested smart glasses be banned from their indoor facilities, and signage be installed to make this policy known.
Willoughby Council will also debate a similar motion on Monday evening, proposing the prohibition of the technology within indoor Council-operated facilities.
What is it: According to Meta, which produces one of the most popular models of the technology, smart glasses are “normal-looking eyewear with discreetly integrated glasses technology”. These can be speakers, microphones or a camera.
Due to the technology’s inconspicuous appearance, they can be used to record individuals discreetly and potentially without consent. Critics of the technology have dubbed them “pervert glasses”.
Smart glasses have been on the market since 2021, but in recent years have become more affordable: models can now retail for under $100.
Council crackdown: While concerns about the technology cross state borders, it has mostly been local councils introducing rules about their use. City of Sydney and Inner West Council have both already established a ban on the technology in council facilities like pools, libraries and community centres.
Mosman Council has attempted to take this one step further with its own policy, asking staff to investigate whether it would be plausible to restrict use on beaches, parks and foreshore areas.
Mosman Mayor Anne-Marie Kimber said the policy may be difficult to police, but nonetheless important to investigate as “a deterrent”.
Both councils agreed that any policy should have “appropriate exemptions” for those using smart glasses for accessibility purposes, such as people with visual or auditory impairment.
Thumbnail: Meta, North Sydney Council