Australia to become first country to ban smart glasses from government buildings: Here's why

Australia is considering banning smart glasses from government buildings amid growing fears that people could use the increasingly popular devices to secretly record conversations and sensitive information.

If introduced, the restrictions could be the first of their kind at a national level.

Smart glasses from companies such as Meta may look like normal glasses, but some models have cameras, microphones and AI built into their frames.

That creates an obvious problem inside a government office.

Someone wearing them could potentially photograph documents or record people and conversations without immediately reaching for a phone.

Australia's Public Service Minister Katy Gallagher has now asked the Australian Public Service Commission for advice on whether a consistent policy should be introduced across government workplaces.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the government needs to make sure the “right protections” are in place as technology develops.

But Australia isn't planning to ban smart glasses completely.

The proposal currently being considered concerns Commonwealth government workplaces and buildings, and no final decision has been made.

Australia isn't alone in worrying about technology.

Norway has already banned smart glasses in schools, while courts in England and Wales prohibit them. US police departments have also raised concerns that camera-equipped glasses could be used to secretly record officers and secure facilities.