Independent MP Kate Chaney has backed a temporary ban on imports of smart glasses and other wearable recording devices, warning that Australia needs stronger long-term privacy laws to deal with technologies capable of filming people without their knowledge or consent.
The Greens plan to introduce legislation when parliament next sits that would halt imports of wearable recording devices for at least 12 months while tougher privacy protections are developed. The proposal has attracted support from Chaney and independent senator David Pocock amid growing public concern about low-cost smart glasses that resemble ordinary eyewear but can secretly record video, images and audio.
Chaney said the proposed pause was only a stopgap while parliament catches up with rapidly changing technology.
“An import pause is a temporary solution. We really need to make sure that we can regulate these devices in the long term,” she said.
The proposed bill would also amend the Privacy Act to prohibit people from filming, storing or sharing footage captured by wearable recording devices without the express consent of those recorded. This would represent a significant expansion of the Act, which currently focuses largely on organisations rather than individual behaviour. The Greens also want greater enforcement powers and funding for the Privacy Commissioner.
Greens senator David Shoebridge argued that parliament has a narrow opportunity to act before millions of devices enter Australia. While some first-generation smart glasses cost more than $500, cheaper models can now be bought for less than $100, with basic versions available for about $40.
Shoebridge warned that smart glasses may be only the beginning, with recording technology likely to be incorporated into earbuds, clothing and other everyday items. The proposed import restrictions would contain exemptions for legitimate uses, including technology assisting people with vision impairment.
The push follows two Australian petitions calling for restrictions on the sale and import of smart glasses, which attracted tens of thousands of signatures. Privacy campaigners say similar devices overseas have already been used for harassment, doxxing, online shaming and secretly filming people in gyms, at beaches and in other public spaces.
Of particular concern is the social media practice known as “rizzing”, in which self-described pick-up artists secretly record interactions with women and upload the footage without consent. Australian examples of the trend are already emerging, while privacy advocates warn women and minority groups are disproportionately targeted by covert recording.
Attorney-General Michelle Rowland has acknowledged that smart glasses raise privacy concerns and has asked the Privacy Commissioner to prioritise the issue. The government says it is considering the problem as part of its second tranche of privacy reforms but has not committed to an import ban.
For Chaney, the temporary prohibition would help limit the spread of potentially invasive devices while lawmakers develop a broader regulatory framework capable of protecting Australians as wearable recording technology becomes cheaper and more widespread.