Australia's Greens propose temporarily halting smart glasses imports
Australia's Greens, backed by independent members of parliament, plan to introduce a bill to halt imports of smart glasses and other wearable recording devices for at least 12 months. The initiative would remain in force until stricter privacy protection rules are adopted, ABC News Australia reports.
Outwardly, such devices resemble ordinary glasses, but they can record images, video and audio at the press of a button, mostly without others noticing. Two Australian petitions calling for restrictions on their sale and import have collected tens of thousands of signatures in recent weeks.
More affordable devices
Early generations of smart glasses cost more than 500 Australian dollars, while new models are sold for less than 100 dollars. Basic devices are available from 40 Australian dollars. Greens Senator David Shoebridge said the widespread use of such devices could significantly restrict people's privacy.
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The bill provides exceptions for legitimate uses, including assisting people with visual impairments. It also proposes amending the Privacy Act to prohibit recording, storing or distributing footage from wearable devices without a person's clearly expressed consent. The initiative would extend the law's application from large organisations to individuals and give the Privacy Commissioner additional powers and funding to oversee compliance with the rules.
Support for the initiative
Independent members of parliament David Pocock and Kate Chaney supported the temporary pause on imports. Pocock said this could reduce the number of such devices on the streets while parliament develops appropriate rules. Chaney called the pause a temporary solution and stressed the need for long-term regulation.
Australia's Attorney-General Michelle Rowland asked the Privacy Commissioner to give this technology priority attention. Her spokesperson said the government is considering the issue as part of the second stage of privacy law reform. Electronic Frontiers Australia chair John Pane said he had seen examples of possible misuse of such devices in gyms and on beaches.
