Story perspectives

Australia weighs smart-glasses ban in federal workplaces

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 4:03 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

The Australian government announced on 17 September 2026 it is considering a ban on smart glasses in federal workplaces.
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said smart glasses pose privacy and security risks because they can record.
The ban would cover all federal offices, service centres, labs and local councils.
Brisbane council banned non-consensual smart-glass recording at public pools, a policy other councils adopt.

History

Historical Context

In 2014, the United States Army barred Google Glass from its ranks, citing security and privacy concerns after field tests. The Department of Defense halted a $2.5 million pilot, warning that wearable cameras could capture classified data and troop movements. Australia’s 2026 proposal, championed by Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher and mirrored by Brisbane council’s pool rule, echoes the same privacy-risk rationale. The earlier ban set a precedent that modern governments may extend wearable-tech restrictions across public sectors, shaping future legislative frameworks.

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Story summary

The Australian government announced on 17 September 2026 it is considering a ban on smart glasses in federal workplaces.
Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher said smart glasses pose privacy and security risks because they can record.
The ban would cover all federal offices, service centres, labs and local councils.
Brisbane council banned non-consensual smart-glass recording at public pools, a policy other councils adopt.

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