Victorian councils are expanding restrictions on camera-equipped smart glasses at public pools and recreation facilities, with privacy concerns prompting both new bans and reviews of existing entry rules. The ABC reported on Tuesday that 16 of Victoria’s 79 councils were investigating or implementing measures, rather than all having imposed bans.
Signs prohibiting smart glasses have been installed at public pools and recreation facilities across the City of Melbourne, according to the ABC’s statewide report. Other councils said existing restrictions on video and photography already applied to the devices, which can record without the obvious presence of a handheld camera.
Frankston City Council took a different step earlier this month, resolving to investigate further restrictions at council-managed facilities and council-run childcare centres. Its 6 October statement said a report would examine possible changes to conditions of entry and other policies, with findings due before the end of 2026.
Frankston Mayor Sue Baker said smart glasses had useful applications but their ability to record discreetly raised concerns in places used by children and families. “This isn’t a blanket approach to technology,” she said. The council will consult disability advocacy organisations and people who use the glasses for accessibility, and consider appropriate exemptions.
The council said some protections were already in place at its childcare and maternal and child health centres, including restrictions on photography or filming without permission. Peninsula Leisure, which operates council recreation facilities, also had filming and photography conditions and was reinforcing them through signs and communications to members.
The accessibility concerns extend beyond swimming pools. In earlier ABC reporting on disability access, blind users described help with reading and navigation, while a deaf user described live captions during conversations and meetings. Hands-free use was identified as a particular benefit for people navigating with a cane or guide dog.
Disability advocates told the ABC that negative public rhetoric about smart glasses risked stigmatising people who relied on them for everyday tasks. Several councils considering or implementing restrictions told Tuesday’s report that accessibility exceptions would be considered, alongside the privacy concerns driving their policies.
The Municipal Association of Victoria, the peak body for the state’s councils, called for a nationally consistent approach and practical guidance on inappropriate recording, the ABC reported. Frankston also resolved to seek federal privacy law changes and a temporary restriction on smart glasses imports until protections were updated. Its local review will address accessibility, communications and signage as well as potential restrictions.
