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Sydney Council Bans 'Pervert Glasses' at Public Pools
15 Sep
Summary
- AI smart glasses are banned at Canterbury-Bankstown council pools.
- Concerns exist about secret filming in changing rooms and schools.
- Other councils like Brisbane and Yarra also implemented bans.
Councillors in Canterbury-Bankstown, a major Sydney council, have overwhelmingly voted to ban AI smart glasses at public pools. This move follows similar prohibitions in Brisbane and Yarra, reflecting widespread concerns about potential exploitation of the technology by predators.
Mayor Bilal El-Hayek labeled the devices "pervert glasses," highlighting community fears of secret filming in changing rooms, swimming pools, and around schools. These glasses possess high-resolution cameras and AI features capable of facial scanning, raising significant privacy issues.
Brisbane initiated such bans last month to protect child safety, a decision praised by digital rights advocates. Yarra has since enacted similar measures at its aquatic facilities and childcare centres, advocating for stronger national privacy laws.
Randwick Council has also prohibited the technology at its Des Renford leisure centre due to community unease. The bans generally exclude individuals with accessibility needs, such as those with vision impairment.
The Australian federal attorney general is considering potential bans but acknowledges the legal complexities. The eSafety commissioner has advised companies to implement automatic face blurring and clearer filming indicators on smart glasses.
