Kmart smart glasses spark privacy concerns in Australia and New Zealand

The rapid market availability of affordable smart glasses, specifically Kmart's $89 Anko brand, has triggered significant privacy concerns in Australia and New Zealand. Unlike premium models from companies like Meta, these budget-friendly devices make wearable camera and microphone technology highly accessible to the mass market.

In Australia, Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has requested an urgent review by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) to examine risks regarding inappropriate recording, harassment, surveillance, and stalking. Concerns have been raised that the discreet nature of smart glasses makes it difficult for bystanders to know when they are being filmed, potentially disproportionately affecting women and girls.

Privacy experts, including University of Canterbury professor Annette Mills, have noted that current regulatory frameworks are often designed to govern how organizations handle data rather than how individuals collect personal information via wearable tech. There are fears that the proliferation of such devices could undermine the ability of individuals to control their presence in public and private spaces.