Decision details

Moved by Councillor Thompson, seconded by Councillor Worling –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note that:

(i)         smart glasses, which are fitted with cameras capable of capturing images and recording video, have become increasingly prevalent across Australia through low-cost retailers

(ii)        these glasses are discreetly worn, and may be used for non-consensual and inappropriate filming, creating significant implications, especially for women and children, who are disproportionately affected by the recording and distribution

(iii)       many of the recordings can be classified as potential harassment

(iv)       these glasses, however, are helpful to those with low vision, those experiencing deafness or hearing loss, or those with other accessibility needs

(B)       Council further note:

(i)         the Attorney-General has encouraged councils in the media to take action to restrict these glasses

(ii)        smart glasses are not able to be used at City of Sydney pools

(iii)       the City has a range of local procedures that govern the operations of our education and care services and community centres. These procedures are regularly updated. Two procedures provide guidance to staff about the appropriate use of recording devices and the taking of images. The procedures allow for new technology and have been recently updated to specifically refer to smart glasses

(iv)       all visitors to City operated education and care services must sign in and out and be fully supervised by Educators while in the services. Any visitors required to take images or videos of children (for example, school photos, allied health, students) must seek separate authorisation/ permission from parents/guardians before this will be permitted and must provide evidence of this to the education and care service before proceeding. When events are held at services families are reminded by signage and verbally that they are not permitted to take images or videos and Educators maintain supervision throughout the event to ensure compliance

(v)        smart glasses have also been restricted in other local government areas in Australia: 

(a)        Brisbane City Council banned the non-consensual use of camera-enabled devices, including wearable technology, phones and cameras, from their 21 public swimming pools

(b)        Gold Coast City Council is considering adopting a similar model to Brisbane

(c)        Yarra City Council also banned smart glasses from their facilities

(C)       the Chief Executive Officer be requested to:

(i)         review and update, if necessary, Council’s conditions of entry and other policies to ensure there is a ban on the use of “smart glasses” at Council leisure centres, libraries, council-run childcare centres, and community centres, subject to any necessary carve outs for people with disability, including people who are D/deaf or are blind or have low vision

(ii)        communicate any change in policy and procedure to users and relevant stakeholders as required, including by installing signage as necessary and providing relevant training to staff at these facilities.

Carried unanimously.

X113760