Sydney council moves to ban AI smart glasses at public pools over privacy fears

Canterbury-Bankstown Council is set to decide on a ban of AI smart glasses at its four public swimming venues, granting lifeguards authority to demand removal, seize the devices or remove patrons who refuse. Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the move responds to growing community anxiety that the glasses’ concealed cameras and microphones could be used to surreptitiously record swimmers, especially children, in pools, changing rooms and showers.

The ban would apply to Canterbury Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Birrong Leisure and Aquatic Centre, Max Parker Leisure Centre in Revesby and Roselands Aquatic Centre, with exemptions for users who need the glasses for navigation or visual aid. Council member Adam Rutter called the measure a “no-brainer” for child safety, while Digital Rights Watch deputy chair Tom Sulston cautioned that indistinguishable designs may make enforcement difficult.

The proposal mirrors earlier actions by Brisbane City Council and Melbourne’s Yarra Council and comes after warnings from the Australian Information Commissioner and the eSafety Commissioner about privacy risks. If passed, signage will be installed and the ban will take effect pending council approval later this week.