Adelaide Council to Consider Smart Glass Ban Amid Privacy Concerns

A push to ban or restrict smart glasses in parts of Adelaide has gained momentum, with a city councillor calling for an investigation into the issue amid concerns about people being recorded without their consent.

Adelaide city councillor Phillip Martin will put forward a motion next week for an investigation into restrictions on glasses with built-in cameras in places like the parklands, libraries and meeting halls.

Concerns about covert recording

"With smart glasses you have no idea somebody could be simply looking at you but recording your every action," Cr Martin said. He is particularly concerned about women and children being subjected to covert recording.

"I am aware from reports to the eSafety Commissioner of men approaching women, asking them for a date, recording the response, and then using that response on social media as a dating tip," he said.

"Children have a right to play within playgrounds, parklands and other areas without the threat of being recorded without their knowledge or without their parents' or guardians' consent."

National debate and local actions

The councillor's calls come a week after Yarra City Council banned smart glasses in their playgrounds, childcare centres and gyms. In August, Brisbane City Council announced a blanket ban on the non-consensual use of all camera-enabled devices, including wearable technology, phones, and action cameras.

Adelaide Fringe venue Gluttony has flagged a potential ban, with co-director Daniel Michael saying, "If someone's got their toddler running around Gluttony while they're having something to eat, they don't exactly want some guy filming them clandestinely."

"A burlesque show, for example, might have rules around filming in the show for good reason. You can't allow people to bring guns and knives … so it's just about adding to that list to say, 'Look this is something that is not allowed here'."

Benefits and challenges

AI smart glasses have been reported to have social benefits, particularly for blind or low-vision users, helping them identify objects and read labels. However, chair of the See Differently Client Advisory Committee, Michael Hutchinson, said, "What I would ask people to do before they make these decisions is to consult ... around the positive aspects of these glasses."

"I really worry about the fact that people are calling these 'pervert glasses'. To have an individual cafe or a group say we're just going to ban the glasses - I would be very sad if that happens."

SA Greens MP Robert Simms will introduce a bill to state parliament next month to ban smart glasses at "schools, childcare centres, playgrounds, swimming pools and gyms" but said it was important to include exemptions for disability aides.

Adelaide University cyber governance expert Mohiuddin Ahmed said smart glasses had legitimate applications, but said using them around others without their consent amounted to a significant "violation of privacy". He said there was a need to ensure the technology did not fall into the hands of paedophiles and those "with a history of violence against women and children".

"If it's used for the wrong reasons, for malicious purposes, obviously banning these glasses would deter this type of criminal activity," Dr Ahmed said. "If there is a general recall Australia-wide, it could work."

However, Dr Ahmed also noted that policing a ban would be difficult, saying, "If you really want to stop this, stop the supply. Cut it from the neck."