Australian Government Flags Privacy Concerns Over Smart Glasses

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland wrote to the Privacy Commissioner outlining the government’s concerns and urging that the issue be treated as a priority.

Ray-Ban Smart Glasses are displayed during a media preview at the new Meta Store in Burlingame, California, on May 4, 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Smart glasses that can take photos and videos have drawn privacy scrutiny from the Albanese government.

Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has written to the Privacy Commissioner outlining the government’s concerns and urging the issue be treated as a priority given the growing use of the devices across Australia.

Ahead of parliament resuming on Aug. 11, Rowland noted smart glasses with built-in cameras enable wearers to take pictures and record videos far less conspicuously than a smartphone.

She said these glasses could create major privacy problems, particularly for women and children at risk of unwanted filming, harassment or being monitored without consent.

“Privacy is an essential part of all our lives; it allows us to be who we are with dignity and without fear,” she said.

“That’s why the Albanese government has written to the Privacy Commissioner, raising widespread community concerns about the potential impacts of ‘smart glasses,’ particularly for women and children.”

Rowland said unlike other forms of technology, smart glasses may be used more discreetly, making it harder for people to know when they are being recorded.

The minister left the door open to potential changes to the law, noting that the government was continuing to reform Australia’s privacy laws to ensure that they “are fit for purpose in the digital age.”

Meta in the Spotlight with New Smart Glasses

In a blog post, Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind said big tech firms were driving the rollout of smart glasses.

Meta introduced a new line of AI-powered smart glasses in June at a cost of US$299 (A$425).

“This time it is Meta leading the charge with its Meta Glasses, but others will soon follow their lead–Google plans to launch Android XR smart glasses later this year, with Apple’s own product launching in 2027,” she said.

Kind noted cheaper versions of the glasses were now being offered by Kmart and Amazon, with OpenAI also planning to launch a wearable device.

The commissioner said the devices raised questions about whether existing laws were enough to prevent them from being misused.

“It would also require consideration of whether we need new laws. Australia’s Privacy Act only applies to businesses and government agencies, not to individuals, and it only applies when those entities collect personal information,” she said.

“In circumstances where a tech company is receiving and storing personal information collected by surveillance wearables, they’ll have to make sure they’re complying with privacy law.

“And there are real questions as to whether they will be able to do so—how will they notify individuals that their images or voice has been recorded? If they’re making facial recognition features available, how will they ensure that they have the consent of the people whose faces the tech is analysing?”