Australia rejects smart glasses import ban, focuses on privacy reforms

smart glasses privacy reforms AI wearables surveillance technology Privacy Act

The Australian federal government has declined to implement an import ban on smart glasses, despite concerns regarding their use for covert filming. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland stated that the government is pursuing a balanced approach, citing accessibility needs for people with disabilities and potential international trade implications.

Instead of a ban, the government is focusing on updating privacy protections through reforms to the Privacy Act. Proposed changes include a 'fair and reasonable test' to limit data harvesting by technology companies and a 'right to erasure' allowing consumers to request the destruction of their personal data. The reforms also aim to strengthen consent standards by cracking down on exploitative data-sharing terms.

While the federal government maintains its position, local authorities and regulators are taking different actions. The Brisbane City Council has already banned the use of smart glasses at public pools to prevent secret recording. Additionally, the eSafety Commissioner has advised that manufacturers should implement safety features, such as default face-blurring for non-consenting individuals and clear indicators when a device is recording.

Entities

Australian Government · Brisbane City Council · Kmart · Michelle Rowland · eSafety Commissioner

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] Attorney-General Michelle Rowland stated the government will not implement an outright import ban on smart glasses. theqldr.com.au · www.watoday.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] Brisbane City Council has banned the use of smart glasses to record people at public pools. theqldr.com.au
[○ 1 SOURCE] The eSafety Commissioner recommended that smart glasses should blur faces by default if consent is not given. theqldr.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] The proposed reforms include a 'right to erasure' for consumers to demand platforms destroy personal data. www.watoday.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] The federal government is focusing on strengthening existing laws under the Privacy Act rather than banning imports. www.watoday.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au
[● 3 SOURCES] Proposed privacy reforms include a 'fair and reasonable test' to limit data harvesting by tech giants. www.watoday.com.au · www.brisbanetimes.com.au · www.theage.com.au