Sydney Council Bans Smart Glasses from Leisure Centres and Pools

A Sydney council has moved to ban smart glasses from local leisure centres and pools, citing concerns the devices could be exploited by "perverts and paedophiles". The ban, which was unanimously passed by councillors, aims to address growing community concerns about privacy and safety.

Concerns about misuse

During the meeting, Lord Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said there was community concern surrounding "perverts and paedophiles secretly filming in change rooms, swimming pools and around schools". "There's a buzz and growing anger in the community about the increasing use of AI smart glasses, or 'pervert glasses'", he said.

The ban strengthens existing conditions of entry, which already prohibit unauthorised photography and recording. AI-enabled smart glasses would be added to prohibition signage.

Enforcement and exemptions

Councillor with Our Local Community party Harry Stavrinos questioned how staff would be able to distinguish standard glasses from smart glasses. Greens Councillor Conroy Blood asked that the measure consider people with vision impairment who use the devices as visual aids.

Cr El-Hayek said people who required the glasses for accessibility purposes would be allowed entry, "if they seek permission first". He said staff would undergo training to learn how to properly enforce the ban. "Covert filming, and filming without consent is not acceptable and those not complying should have their equipment confiscated and be removed from the facility", the mayor said.

Legal implications

Sydney-based lawyer Tony Taouk said in NSW, the Surveillance Devices Act generally prohibited a person from using a listening device to record private conversations, unless a statutory exception applied. He said people often wrongly assumed they were generally protected from being recorded under the Privacy Act. "Believe it or not, the Privacy Act doesn't apply to these cases of recording someone. It's often misunderstood", he said.

Emeritus Professor Barbara McDonald from the University of Sydney Law School said people had to be careful with the use of any device to record a private conversation in the state, including one they are party to. "One thing to note is that there is very significant divergence in surveillance device legislation around the country", she said.

National context

The Canterbury-Bankstown Council's ban is the first in New South Wales, but follows Brisbane City Council in Queensland, and Yarra Council in Victoria, which recently announced broader bans in leisure centres, childcare centres and playgrounds. Adelaide City Council is also considering the measure.