The Albanese government is assessing a potential ban on smart glasses in its offices and service centres, describing the measure as possibly "world-leading" in response to mounting concerns about the devices' recording capabilities.
The minister for the public service told officials the camera-equipped eyewear raises "legitimate privacy and security concerns" for commonwealth-run workplaces, and that controls are under active consideration to address those risks.
Local governments around Australia have already begun restricting smart glasses in some public settings amid similar privacy worries, a trend that has helped shape the national debate. While some councils have moved to exclude the technology from public spaces, the federal approach remains under review.
So far the government has stopped short of imposing a blanket import ban on camera-capable smart glasses. Instead, it has urged individual workplaces to develop their own policies governing use of the devices while deliberations continue.
Officials have not yet announced a timetable for any formal legislation or regulations. The review underscores growing tensions between consumer adoption of wearable cameras and public authorities' efforts to protect privacy and security within official premises.