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