The Australian government is considering introducing a ban on the use of smart glasses within federal offices and service centers amid growing concerns over privacy and security. Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher announced on Thursday that the Australian Public Service has been asked to provide advice on whether the wearable technology, which is often equipped with cameras, should be prohibited in government workplaces.

Gallagher emphasized the need for clear and consistent guidelines for public servants, noting that smart glasses raise legitimate privacy issues due to their capacity to record and capture information. Commonwealth workplaces affected by any such restrictions would include bureaucratic offices, Centrelink service centers, and CSIRO laboratories. Meanwhile, state-run institutions such as schools and hospitals would maintain their own policies concerning the technology.

The move follows a rise in community apprehensions about smart glasses, which have become increasingly popular but also controversial. A University of Sydney study found that 60% of smart-glasses-filmed videos posted on Instagram could be classified as potential harassment.

Local governments around Australia have already imposed targeted bans in certain public spaces. For example, Canterbury-Bankstown council recently prohibited smart glasses in public pools, a decision supported by the council’s mayor, Bilal El-Hayek, who referred to the devices as “pervert glasses.” Brisbane City Council implemented a similar ban on the technology in pools in August, while the City of Yarra restricted smart glasses use in playgrounds, childcare facilities, and gyms. Sydney and Blacktown councils have also barred their use in pools.

Federal Attorney General Michelle Rowland praised these local decisions, stressing the importance of balancing public safety with the rights of individuals who use the technology to participate more fully in society. She acknowledged the benefits of smart glasses for people with disabilities, citing endorsements from organizations such as Vision Australia and members of the blind and low-vision community. Rowland indicated the government was not currently pursuing a comprehensive ban but had not ruled out future measures.

If enacted, restrictions on smart glasses would follow recent federal efforts to regulate workplace technology. The government released new guidance last week addressing the use of artificial intelligence in public service roles, emphasizing the need for employee consultation on major technological changes. A forthcoming roundtable involving major companies like Commonwealth Bank, Microsoft, and Telstra aims to help develop national AI workplace standards.

Employment Minister Amanda Rishworth highlighted the importance of equipping both workers and businesses with the tools to confidently integrate new technologies while maintaining appropriate safeguards. The smart glasses deliberation is part of the government’s broader initiative to ensure workplace policies keep pace with rapid technological advances, with the Australian Public Service expected to set an example as a “model employer.”