Australia moves to regulate cheap smart glasses amid privacy backlash

smart glasses Kmart privacy Australia Attorney‑General

Australian retailer Kmart launched an $89 Anko smart‑glasses model that sold out quickly, prompting a wave of privacy concerns. Attorney‑General Michelle Rowland wrote to the Australian Privacy Commissioner asking for an urgent review of wearable camera glasses, warning that the low price could disproportionately affect women and children. Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said the devices could be used to exploit or surveil vulnerable groups and may require new legislation.

The issue has attracted international attention. In Europe, restaurants, pubs and theatres are banning smart glasses over fears of covert recording. German data‑protection commissioner Thomas Fuchs criticised Meta’s LED recording light as too weak for daylight use, while France’s CNIL warned that wearable cameras could normalise constant surveillance. The EU is discussing stricter privacy rules for such devices, and Ireland’s Data Protection Commission is monitoring Meta’s smart glasses because the company’s European headquarters are in Dublin.

Researchers in Australia have documented instances of “ambient capture” where women were filmed without consent, highlighting the potential for harassment. The growing availability of inexpensive camera glasses is fueling calls for clearer regulations and stronger safeguards worldwide.

Entities: Anko · CNIL · Carly Kind · Irish Data Protection Commission · Kmart · Meta Platforms Inc. · Meta Platforms, Inc. · Michelle Rowland · Thomas Fuchs

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] German data‑protection commissioner Thomas Fuchs said Meta’s LED recording light is too weak for reliable use in daylight. (multiple articles)
[● 6 SOURCES] Attorney‑General Michelle Rowland wrote to the Australian Privacy Commissioner requesting a review of wearable camera glasses. (multiple articles)
[● 3 SOURCES] Meta's smart glasses retail for between $400 and $800. (multiple)
[● 2 SOURCES] France’s CNIL warned about normalising constant surveillance with wearable cameras. (multiple articles)
[● 2 SOURCES] The affordable glasses raise concerns for women and children regarding harassment and privacy. (multiple)
[○ 1 SOURCE] The EU is discussing stricter privacy rules for wearable camera devices. (multiple articles)
[● 2 SOURCES] The Irish Data Protection Commission is monitoring Meta’s smart glasses because Meta’s European headquarters are in Ireland. (multiple articles)
[● 5 SOURCES] Kmart released an $89 Anko smart glasses model that sold out across Australia. (multiple articles)
[○ 1 SOURCE] Restaurants, pubs and theatres in Europe are banning smart glasses over privacy fears. (multiple articles)
[● 3 SOURCES] Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind warned that smart glasses could be used to exploit or surveil vulnerable groups and may require new laws. (multiple articles)