Australian government considers ban on smart glasses in public offices

The Minister for the Public Service has warned that smart glasses equipped with cameras present “legitimate privacy and security concerns” in Commonwealth‑run workplaces, prompting the Albanese government to consider a “world‑leading” ban on their use in government offices and service centres. The proposal follows a series of moves by local councils across Australia to restrict the technology in public spaces amid growing apprehension that the devices could be used for covert recording and data collection.

While the government has stopped short of imposing a blanket prohibition on the import of smart glasses, it is urging individual departments and agencies to develop their own policies governing the devices. Officials say the approach balances the need to protect sensitive information with the practicalities of modern workplace technology, and they will monitor the impact of council restrictions before deciding on any broader regulatory action.